British and Canadian traders throughout the 1740s and early 1750s had increasingly come into contact in the Ohio Country, including the upper watershed of the Ohio River in what is now western Pennsylvania.

Authorities in New France have became more aggressive in their efforts to expel British traders and colonists from this area, and in 1753 begin construction of a series of fortifications in the area.

Paul Marin de la Malgue, commander of the French and Canadien construction force, has constructed two forts, the main one being Fort Le Boeuf.

The French action has drawn the attention of not just the British, but also the native tribes of the area.

Despite good Franco-native relations, British traders have become highly successful in persuading the natives to trade with them in preference to the Canadiens, and the planned large-scale advance is not well received by all.

In particular, Tanacharison, a Mingo chief also known as the "Half King", has become decidedly anti-French as a consequence.

In a meeting with Paul Marin de la Malgue, the latter reportedly loses his temper, throwing down some wampum that Tanacharison had offered as a good will gesture.

Marin's military successes had earned him the cross of Saint Louis, but he had died in late October before learning of this honor, and and command of the operations had been turned over to Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre, who, returning from the western forts in 1753, has been assigned to the Ohio Country.