On July 3, a militia of three hundred colonists were invaded by an army of Britains, Tories, and Indians at what is modern day Exeter in the Wyoming Valley. The colonists were overwhelmed and several of their forts were either surrendered or abandoned. Indians began scalping every soldier available and many civilians were killed, houses burned, crops destroyed, and cattle let loose or stolen. When news of the “Wyoming Massacre” reached settlers ears they panicked and chaos broke loose. More than three thousand citizens from the valley began fleeing down the Susquehanna, trying to escape the madness. Thousands of others living along the North and West branches joined them in the escape. Women and children floated down the river, while husbands and fathers patrolled the banks with rifles. Refuge was found at Fort Augusta, next to the newly founded town of Sunbury. The fort offered protection, provisions, and peace of mind. The exile has become known as the “Great Escape” or the “Great Runaway”. Nearly all of Northumberland County was evacuated.

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