News Release

First battle of French and Indian War remembered at Fort Necessity

C. Hinton/NPS

News Release Date: June 22, 2025

Contact: Brian Reedy, 724-329-5470

Farmington, PA-. Park staff and volunteers invite the public to commemorate the 271st anniversary of the battle at Fort Necessity on Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4, 2025. Ranger led programs begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the patio behind the visitor center. Soldier life programs with musket and artillery firings will occur in the Great Meadow at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  

“The July 3rd battle anniversary program is a time to honor the courage and bravery demonstrated by participants in the Great Meadows 271 years ago,” said Fort Necessity National Battlefield Site Manager and Chief of Interpretation Brian Reedy.   
 
The battle at Fort Necessity started the French & Indian War (1754-1760) and developed into a global conflict between France and Great Britain and their allies. Britain will win the war but unintentionally sets the stage for the coming American Revolution a little over 20 years later.  

Fort Necessity National Battlefield  
Fort Necessity National Battlefield is a unit of the National Park Service and the site of the opening battle of the French and Indian War that ended with the removal of French power from North America. National Parks are protected by the Archaeology Resources Protection Act. For more information about Fort Necessity National Battlefield, visit www.nps.gov/fone