Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Address:Farmington, Pennsylvania
Tel: (724) 329-5512

Learn the story behind the clash of two colonial superpowers at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield near Farmington, Pennsylvania. This 900 acre park was the site of the Battle of the Great Meadows, which sparked the French and Indian War, a long war between the British and French for colonial interests in North America. Today, visitors to the Fort Necessity National Battlefield can take tours and hike the beautiful forests and meadows surrounding the area.

Built in 1754, Fort Necessity was used by Lt. Colonel George Washington and 393 British colonials to defend against 600 French soldiers and 100 Native Americans at the Battle of the Great Meadows on July 3 of that year. Because of rain, most of Washington's supplies in Fort Necessity were ruined and he was forced to negotiate a truce. The French subsequently occupied Fort Necessity and destroyed it with fire. In the 1970s, after archaeological research of the area uncovered most of the original fort position, a replica of Fort Necessity was completed.

Today, visitors to the Fort Necessity National Battlefield can partake in five miles of hiking trails through the scenic forest and meadows around the fort and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Braddock Grave Unit in the eastern part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield contains outdoor exhibits of the last campaign of British General Edward Braddock, who oversaw many battles in the French and Indian War and whose funeral George Washington officiated. The visitor center at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield includes a 20 minute orientation film of the site and interactive exhibits to immerse the visitor in the French and Indian War. There are both self-guided and ranger-guided tours available. There are no restaurants nearby, so pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy eating your lunch in the great outdoors!

To get to the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, visitors should take US 40 towards Farmington. The entrance to the Fort Necessity National Battlefield will be clearly marked approximately one mile west of Farmington. Visit the Fort Necessity National Battlefield and experience the history of the French and Indian War first-hand!