05/28/2026
On this day in 1754, a 22-year-old George Washington drew “first blood” in the French and Indian War.
Leading Virginia militia in southwestern Pennsylvania, his forces ambushed a French scouting party from Fort Duquesne, killing 10 (including commander Jumonville) and capturing 21, only one colonial loss.
This skirmish is often considered the first shot of the war. This is also the moment when Washington’s military skills were recognized, and his trajectory began.