History & Culture

The Fort Necessity Story

The confrontation at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the prelude to the war fought by England and France for control of the North American continent. The struggle was known in North America as the French and Indian War and spread around the world as the Seven Years' War. It ended in 1763 with the removal of French power from North America and India. The action at Fort Necessity was also the first major event in the military career of George Washington. It was the only time he ever surrendered to an enemy.

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The National Road

By early in the 19th century, the wilderness of the Ohio country had given way to settlement. The road Washington cut through the forest was replaced by the National Road. The road passed by Fort Necessity and bustled with traffic heading from port to plains and plains to port.

The Mount Washington Tavern was built near Fort Necessity as a stagecoach stop on the National Road. Today it is a museum dealing with life along the Road.

more about the National Road...

 

History & Culture

  • A wooden stockade and earthworks in a meadow.
    Stories

    Learn about the Fort Necessity campaign, the National Road and other stories.

  • a rock wall about two stories high in the woods
    Places

    Explore the places within Fort Necessity National Battlefield visitors can visit and enjoy.

  • Washington in a red uniform and three French officers in white uniforms.
    People

    This is the place to find biographies of interesting people who contributed to the history of Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

Last updated: October 25, 2021

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