Colonial troops commanded by 22-year-old Colonel George Washington were defeated in this small stockade at the "Great Meadow." This opening battle of the French and Indian War began a seven-year struggle between Great Britain and France for control of North America. Fort Necessity National Battlefield is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, about 11 miles east of Uniontown.
The park comprises approximately 900 acres in three separate sites. The main unit contains the visitor center, the reconstructed Fort Necessity, and the Mount Washington Tavern. The Braddock Grave unit is approximately 1.5 miles west of the main unit, and the Jumonville Glen unit is approximately seven miles northwest of the main unit.
The main park unit contains the reconstructed Fort Necessity, the Visitor Center, the historic Mount Washington Tavern, a picnic area, and hiking trails. Cross-country skiing is available on the trails in winter, although they are not mechanically tracked or groomed.
The Mount Washington Tavern was originally built as a stagecoach stop for travellers along the National Road (1828-1855). The Braddock Grave Unit is approximately 1.5 miles west of Fort Necessity on US Route 40. Jumonville Glen is approximately seven miles northwest of Fort Necessity. It is the site of Washington's first encounter with the French.
