Before acquiring its current name, the site of modern Pittsburgh held historical designations tied to early colonial fortification and frontier conflicts. Originally known as Duquesne during French occupation when Fort Duquesne was constructed at the strategic confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, the area was later captured by British colonial forces. In honor of British statesman William Pitt the Elder, the settlement was renamed Fort Pitt, which eventually evolved simply into Pittsburgh as the surrounding region grew into a vital industrial gateway.