How did the French capture the fort site at the Forks of the Ohio?

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Painting of Edward Braddock and British troops in uniform advancing through dense forest, facing Native American and French fighters during the French and Indian War near Fort Duquesne. — French and Indian War British commander Edward Braddock and his troops preparing to march on the French-held Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) during the French and Indian War.

In the spring of 1754, the French successfully captured the site at the Forks of the Ohio—the strategic confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River—by arriving in large numbers and overwhelming the uncompleted fort that had been started by the Ohio Company of Virginia.12

The French forces arrived before the Virginia militia under Colonel Joshua Fry could reach the location to provide support. After driving the British away, the French proceeded to construct their own fortification on the site, which they named Fort Duquesne.12