Special Commemoration Programs for the Battle of Fort Necessity
Park staff and volunteers invite the public to commemorate the 269th anniversary of the battle at Fort Necessity. On July 1-3, 2023, programs will begin at the visitor center at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The ranger walks and weapons demonstrations last approximately one hour. Artillery demonstrations will be offered after each ranger program. Park staff will be in historic costume demonstrating soldier life throughout the three-day event.
“On July 3, 1754, twenty-two-year-old Colonel George Washington fought his first major battle at Fort Necessity," said Chief of Interpretation and Site Manager, Brian Reedy. “He would taste defeat that day, the first of many, but it is his only formal surrender.”
The battle of Fort Necessity was the start of the French & Indian War (1754-1760) and developed into a global conflict between France and Great Britain. Britain wins the war but unintentionally sets the stage for the coming American Revolution.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Fort Necessity National Battlefield is located on US Route 40, eleven miles east of Uniontown, Pa. The park visitor center, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offers exhibits and an orientation film. The park grounds, Braddock Grave unit and Jumonville Glen are open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no entrance fee and programs are free.
