A fantastic and possibly first known map of the Fort at Weisport in Carbon County, PA, built by Benjamin Franklin against the Indians, in the French and Indian War, as a direct response to the massacre across the river in what is now Lehighton. The name was changed to Fort Allen, after an old friend and founder of Allentown, in 1756 when construction was completed. "Built as a 12 foot high stockade measuring 125 feet long by 50 feet wide with two half bastions on the opposing long side corners and two bastions in the middle of long sides. The two half bastions each mounted a swivel gun. The stockade enclosed officers quarters and two barracks buildings. Inside the fort was a 19 foot deep well, known as the Franklin Well. Abandoned in 1761 as a regularly garrisoned post but used intermittently after that." from Wikipedia. On lower right is extract from Franklin account of the creation of the Fort. Signed Chapman on verso. A unique item which predates the formation of the Revolutionary War with a Benjamin Franklin connection. 12x15", some foxing and small creases and tears. Also map of the US, 1806, photograph, received from Montana Historical Society in 1906. 6.5x9.5". Carbon County Pennsylvania