While the French were first to trade in the area and claim the Ohio valley, the British also made claims for the rich valley lands. By 1750, both sides denied the other access to the region. The French captured British trading posts and built Fort Duquesne (modern-day Pittsburgh) to defend their trading territory. The rival claims quickly led to violence. The Mingo Indians sided with the French in hopes of protecting their vast hunting grounds. The few English settlers who had braved the frontier to settle in the area prior to the war were forced to evacuate the region. The Ohio River Valley, including the area that is now Follansbee, experienced very little development until the war ended. Even though the British were victorious, the Indians continued to occupy the region until 1768.
British march against Indians in the forest.