Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County
The French and British at Three Rivers
"The French and British at Three Rivers," prepared by the staff of the Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County, is a historical account published in the early 1950s. This pamphlet examines the interactions and conflicts between French and British forces at the strategic location known as Three Rivers, which became pivotal during the settlement and power struggles in North America following the discovery of the continent. The text highlights the role of key figures and events that shaped colonial history in the Great Lakes region and the Ohio Valley. The book chronicles the early French presence in the interior of North America, particularly through their establishment of trading posts and alliances with Native American tribes, notably focusing on Post Miami at the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Rivers. It delves into the subsequent British encroachment, the increasing competition for dominance, and the eventual decline of French influence as English settlements expanded. Key narratives include battles, pivotal alliances, and significant incidents such as the English surrender of Fort Miami in 1760 and the ensuing unrest among Native tribes under British rule, culminating in events leading up to the American Revolution. Through a detailed account, the pamphlet illustrates the shifting dynamics of power and culture in a critical historical landscape.