French and Indian War: American Involvement

The Colonies became involved when George Washington and a few of his men decided to expel the French from Ohio. They marched to Fort Duquesne -- the construction of which had actually been started by the British -- but realized that the fort was too strong for them to capture. So, they built Fort Necessity nearby as a way to challenge the French. It worked. The French not only attacked, but also captured Fort Necessity in 1754. The English did not declare war on France until 1756, but for the Colonists, the war began much sooner. Fort Duquesne was finally captured by the British in 1758.

Fort William Henry was featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans."

Sources
Ohio History Central
Travel and History