Historic Weapons Demonstrations

The basic weapon used during the Fort Necessity and Braddock campaigns was the flintlock musket

NPS Photo

A variety of black powder weapons were used by the forces of British, French and Native Americans involved in the Fort Necessity and Braddock Campaigns of 1754 and 1755. The types of weapons used had a major impact on the outcome of these campaigns. Demonstrations throughout the summer by trained park staff and volunteers help visitors visualize and understand the strengths and weaknesses of these weapons.

Details

Duration

5-10 Minutes

The historic weapons demonstration are given following a talk about soldier life, which in turns, follow a ranger led walk about the Fort Necessity Campaign which start at the visitor center.

Visitors can choose to attend any or all three programs. The combined time for all three programs is 40 minutes to an hour.

Activity

Historic Weapons Demonstration

Fort Necessity National Battlefield offers daily living history programs during the summer months. These programs are conducted by park staff in period uniforms and dress. These programs generally conclude with a loading and firing demonstration of an historic black powder weapon used at either Fort Necessity or the Braddock Campaign. The demonstrations vary and are subject to change, but include a musket or artillery firing. All members of the park staff conducting these demonstrations complete black powder training according to NPS guidelines and are certified by the Park's historic weapons supervisor.  
More information

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be on a leash and under control. The black powder weapons are loud. Be aware of your pets tolerance for loud sudden noises.

Activity Fee

No

There are no entrance or fees for public interpretive programs at Fort Necessity

Location

Fort Necessity

Prior to the weapons demonstration, a program on soldier life is given at the benches located along the trail from the visitor center to the fort. After the Soldier Life talk, the group will move approximately 75 yards Fort Necessity to view the weapons demonstration.

Reservations

No

Season

Summer

The programs are offered daily from early June through August providing trained and certified staff are available on site.

Time of Day

Day

The historic weapons demonstration are given three times daily following the ranger led Fort Necessity Campaign walks.

Accessibility Information

The trail to the program area and the demontration area is wheelchair/stroller accessible. The viewing area for the weapon firing demonstration is level but bumpy lawn inside Fort Necessity. Patrons with sensitive hearing, aversions to loud noises, pets, small children, or PTSD should be aware the historic weapons produce loud explosive noise and may want to a experience it from a distance. Demonstrators will give a warning before firing.