in 1754, washington suffered a defeat and natives americans loyal to british, including tribal leader and acquaintance of george washington, queen aliquippa and the half king sought safety at aughwick under the care of george croghan. in 1755, after general edward braddock' s defeat george croghan and followers, including native americans, return to aughwick and in summer months fortify the trading post. in 1756 armstrong uses the site, then fort shirley, as a staging area to attack kittanning.