Fort Augusta, built in 1756–1757 at present-day Sunbury on the abandoned Lenape village site of Shamokin, was the largest British fort in Pennsylvania and later served American forces in the Revolutionary era. Designed as a heavily defended frontier post with bastions, moat, artillery, and a substantial garrison, it was meant to block French and Native raiding parties, protect settlers, and support inland expeditions. Though threatened, it was never attacked. It became a refuge during the French and Indian War and again during the Revolution, especially after the 1778 Great Runaway. Abandoned after 1780, parts of the site and many artifacts have since been recovered archaeologically.