STRONG NECESSITY NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

Built under the command of George Washington in 1754 after the Battle of Jumonville Glen, which marked the beginning of the Seven Years' War, this fort was the scene of clashes between French and British troops. The Battle of Fort Necessity took place on July 3, 1754 and resulted in the death of 31 British soldiers against only 3 French soldiers. George Washington, then 21, was forced to surrender and thus experienced his first and only defeat in the conflict, but also the only surrender of his entire military career.

Begin your visit with a visit to the Visitor Centre, where you will watch a video entitled "Road of Necessity" that looks back at the history of the site. Following the defeat of the British, the fort was destroyed but a reconstruction has since been built. Inside the park, you can also discover Mount Washington Tavern, a tavern that once belonged to Washington and was built along the National Road, the first major road in the United States.