News Release

Fort Necessity National Battlefield Announces Anniversary History Walks on July 3

Date: June 22, 2018
Contact: Brian Reedy, 724-329-5470
Contact: Joshua Freeman, 724-329-5473

FARMINGTON, Pa:  Fort Necessity National Battlefield will host a series of Ranger guided history walks on July 3 to commemorate the 264th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Necessity.  The three walks, one at each of the three units of the park, will cover different events from the beginning of the French and Indian War.

At 9:00 a.m., park visitors may meet Rangers at the Jumonville Glen unit of the park to enjoy a one hour examination of the events surrounding the Jumonville Affair, the opening shots of the French & Indian War.  At 12 noon, participants will convene at the visitor center of Fort Necessity National Battlefield for a one hour program exploring an in-depth look at the events of the Battle of Fort Necessity, the only surrender of George Washington’s military career.  At 3:00 p.m., a final one hour program will be offered at the Braddock Grave unit of the park.  Rangers will provide details of the campaign and death of Major General Edward Braddock, whose ill-fated expedition met with disaster on the banks of the Monongahela River on July 9th 1755.  Braddock’s gravesite and a portion of the road he built may be viewed in the park.  While the walks cover different episodes of the action, each program will stand alone.

Regular park programs will also be offered throughout the day, with half-hour Fort Necessity Campaign talks at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.  Soldier Life talks will be held near the Fort at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  The name of those killed in the Battle of Fort Necessity will be read after the 1:00 program.

Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk extensively through the park, sometimes over rough and slippery terrain.  Bringing water and a walking stick are also recommended.  The walks will take place rain or shine and visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Admission to the park and the programs is free.  For more information on this and other programs at Fort Necessity, please call 724-329-5512.

-NPS-