University of Virginia Library

Chain of Forts

That there was great need of protection against
Indian invasion is fully attested by the long chain
of forts which were established by the military authorities
of Virginia, extending from Winchester to
the Tennessee River. Within the present borders
or Roanoke County was Fort Lewis, a name familiar
to many people of this county. The stirring incidents
of those days have never been recorded, and
their history has passed into oblivion, as the walls
of the old fort have crumbled into dust. Its name
alone remains to tell the story.

In the Clerk's Office at Staunton, Virginia, is the
record of a meeting of the military authorities, when
it was decided to erect a chain of fourteen forts for
the protection of the frontier. This "Council of
War" was called by Governor Dinwiddie in July,
1756. One of the forts was to be constructed at
John Mason's, on the south side of Roanoke River.
Just where this fort was located is not known. It is
believed to have been in the vicinity of Crystal
Spring.