The French and Indian War significantly impacted the Appalachian region, involving early settlers and Native American tribes in territorial conflicts.

The French and Indian War (1754–1763) was a pivotal event in the Appalachian region's history, as it was fought between British and French forces, with various Native American tribes aligning with either side. The conflict centered on control of the Appalachian frontier and its vast resources. The war marked the beginning of increased British settlement in the region, as the British victory led to expanded colonial territories westward. However, it also heightened tensions with Native Americans, who faced displacement as settlers moved into their ancestral lands. This event shaped the region's social and political landscape, leading to further westward expansion and eventual conflicts like Pontiac's Rebellion. The war's outcomes laid the groundwork for the American Revolution, as colonial dissatisfaction with British policies grew following the conflict.