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Fort RoberdeauLead was important to the Continental Army, which was in dire need of bullets to carry on the Revolution; and there was abundant lead in Sinking Valley. Indians were the first to know of it, and it became a commercial enterprise with the advent of the white man.The lead ore was difficult to unearth. When acquired, it was necessary to crush the ore by a triphammer operated by a water wheel and then to smelt the crushed ore in order to free thelead.Some of the lead was used locally, and some was conveyed in bar form by water to the east.The fort remained in use approximately two years, until a source of lead was found that was closer to the war area. This became available when the French nation entered the war.The smelter will be in use in time for the July 5th dedication.Another feature of the dedication will be the presence of the Tuckahoe Militia from Bellwood, who will encamp at the fort for the weekend and fire the cannon which should be in place for the occasion.ONLY THE BEGINNINGImpressive as Fort Roberdeau is, it may be only the beginning.The restoration committee envisions it as the first step in the formation of a historical park area in the county.The former Kiwanis Youth Farm, adjacent to Fort Roberdeau, was sold to the county as part of the Kiwanis Club of Altoona’s Bicentennial contribution. Work is already underway to provide picnic grounds on this area and to re do the buildings on the property in wood taken from a historic barn.The next step would be restoration of the m iners ’ v illage.“Fort Roberdeau is Blair County's most important connection with the Revolutionary War”, said Jones, “and it makes sense to use it as the springboard to bring tourism to the area.“Sinking Valley, as well as being beautiful, is loaded with history. For instance, the old churches and schools in the Arch Springs area could also be restored.“Fort Roberdeau will be a place where school children can be brought to spend the day, have a picnic, and learn what life was like during the Revolutionary War era.NO ‘‘TOURIST TRAP”“There are no plans to turn it into a tourist trap, and, at least at this stage of its development, no admission charge.”According to Robert Warsing, fund coordinator for the project, the restoration is being financed by a Title 10 federal grant of $182,000, $20,000 from Housing and Community Development, and $25,000 in local funds. A $100,000 fund-raising campaign is still in progress, with about$G0,000 of the goal raised so far.N. Grant Nicklas Jr. has been the architect for the restoration. B.F. Staplefield is the contractor.Work days are now “full steam ahead” as finishing touches are put on the fort in preparation for the influx of visitors expected this summer.Colson Jones is hopeful that Blair County citizens will make a special effort to attendthe dedication and visit the fort.“For t Roberdeau belongs to them”, hesaid. “Wearemerely thecaretakers.”Ford Warns
Newspaper Details
Tyrone Daily Herald
Tyrone, Pennsylvania, US
Sat, Jun 26, 1976
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Pennsylvania S.
PA, USA 12 Mar 2018
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