How and when did George Washington first go to Ohio in the French and Indian War?

George Washington first traveled to Ohio in 1754 during the early stages of the French and Indian War. He was sent by the Virginia colonial government to confront French forces encroaching on British territory in the Ohio Valley. Washington's initial mission led him to the area around present-day Pittsburgh, where he encountered French troops at Fort Duquesne. His experiences during this expedition marked his first significant military engagement and helped raise his profile as a leader.