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Vid Kid Field Trip: FORT FREDERICK

bob wants to know moreBob explored Fort Frederick near Hagerstown, Maryland, and learned from Private Dave Miller that the fort was built in 1756 and used during the French and Indian War. Private Miller explained that the French and Indian War wasn't between the French and the Indians, but was a struggle for land between the British Colonists and the French. Most Native American tribes joined forces with the French -- That's why it's called the French and Indian War.

firing cannon Bob also learned:

  • Fort Frederick's wall is 17 feet tall, and made of SANDSTONE so it couldn't burn down.
  • The CANNONS at Fort Frederick can fire 6 pound cast iron cannonballs over a mile.
  • Today, when we say something is a "FLASH IN THE PAN," we mean it is loud and bright but short-lived. Actually, this expression comes from the time of the French and Indian War and describes the misfiring of a musket -- when gunpowder ignites in the pan area of the weapon, but no bullet is discharged from the barrel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FORT FREDERICK CALL (301) 842-2155.

 

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