The Battle of Point Pleasant: A Critical Event at the Onset of a Revolution

Just six months prior to the onset of the American Revolution a major battle raged between colonial Virginians and the native Indians of western Virginia. This was the Battle of Point Pleasant fought on October 10, 1774. For various reasons, this battle has been recognized by some as the first battle of the American Revolution. However, evidence clearly shows that the Battle of Point Pleasant had no connection with the American Revolution. Rather, the Battle of Point Pleasant was the final battle of the American Colonial Wars. Though it was not a part of the Revolution, it was a critical event in American history that acted to open the settlement of the west and to free Colonial resources to ensure victory in the war for independence.