In 1758, a young Colonel George Washington led a group of 500 men to open fire on fellow British soldiers during a confusing defense of modern-day Fort Ligonier amidst a French raid. The archaeological team was able to recover over 350 artifacts from the newly discovered site, including a French officer’s pocket watch key. Today, George Washington is remembered as one of America’s greatest military leaders. Serving under General John Forbes, troops led by Colonel George Mercer were sent to try and thwart a raid on what is now known as Fort Ligonier. At the sound of musket fire, Washington led 500 of his troops to the site in the hopes of providing support to Mercer’s men.