Washington’s Stand at Fort Necessity

Long before he assumed his role at the head of Continental forces during the American Revolution, a young George Washington gained crucial combat experience in the wilds of the North American interior (today’s southwest Pennsylvania). Washington’s stand at Fort Necessity proved untenable and he was forced to surrender his force, which would be the first and last time that would ever happen. Today, the vast meadow that once witnessed bloodshed is shrouded in peace- come see why George Washington once described it as “a charming field for an Encounter.”

History

The expansive territory known as the Ohio River Valley (including vast portions of modern day Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and southwest Pennsylvania) was hotly contested in the mid-18th century. The British and French both laid claims to the abundant land and began to create military posts and fortifications, establish small settlements, and forge alliances with native tribes throughout the disputed area. The region was desired for its rich and diverse flora and fauna as well as the strategic considerations of the vast land and numerous waterways.

In 1753, Virginia’s Colonial Governor Robert Dinwiddie learned about French fortifications that were recently built on lands claimed by Virginia. In response, he sent an eight man contingent under command of George Washington to investigate and to warn the French to abandon the area. Ultimately, the French dismissed the orders from a 21-year-old Washington and refused to leave, which Washington reported back to Governor Dinwiddie in Virginia.

But before learning of the French refusal, Governor Dinwiddie dispatched another group of Virginians to construct a fort at the strategic location where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River (near modern-day Pittsburgh). Unfortunately for the British, this force was driven off by the French, who then established Fort Duquesne on the site.

In April 1754, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington was dispatched with a force of Virginia militia with orders to create a road near modern-day Brownsville, PA and to reinforce the British fort that had been previously built. But when Washington learned that the fort had fallen into French hands, he camped and awaited further instructions. Colonel Joshua Fry soon arrived with the rest of the Virginia Regiment and took command of the expedition. By late May 1754, Washington had established his force in a natural clearing known as the “Great Meadows.”

While based in the Great Meadows, Washington learned of a small force of French soldiers that were camped in a nearby ravine. After meeting with the Seneca chief “Half King,” Washington and ~40 men surrounded and skirmished with the French in the early morning hours of May 28, 1754. After 15 minutes of fighting, there were 13 French dead and 21 captured (one escaped towards Fort Duquesne). This became known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen, named for French Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, who was killed in the attack.

Washington and his men sent the French prisoners to Williamsburg, VA and returned to their camp at the Great Meadows. With the fear of a French attack in mind, they began to construct a fort. From May 29 – June 3, Washington and his men constructed a circular wooden palisaded fort and a series of shallow earthen fortifications, which was named “Fort Necessity.” While Fort Necessity was being built, Washington learned that Colonel Joshua Fry had died; therefore, Washington was promoted and assumed command of the expedition. On June 9, more Virginia troops and supplies arrived at the Great Meadows, which included nine small swivel guns (a few days later, 100 British regular troops under Captain James Mackay arrived). Colonel Washington was now reinforced, resupplied, and in command of nearly 400 regular troops and militia.

During the month of June, the Virginian troops constructed a road from Fort Necessity to Gist’s Plantation; however, this work was cut short when they learned of French troops and allied Indians that approached from Fort Duquesne. On July 2, Washington and his men fortified and improved Fort Necessity (although it remained fairly small and vulnerable).

The Battle of Fort Necessity began on the morning of July 3, 1754. Nearly 600 French soldiers and 100 Indians approached the fort and positioned themselves in the surrounding woods. Washington withdrew his men within their defenses and prepared for an attack. As a steady rain fell, Washington ordered an assault across the open field outside of the fort. This was met by a charge of French and Indian troops, which frightened the Virginia militia back to the fort and forced Washington and his British regulars to fall back. Fighting continued sporadically throughout the day, but Washington was surrounded and had many sick, wounded, or dead men. Furthermore, the rain dampened the soldier’s powder and limited their ability to fight. Around 8pm, Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, commander of the French troops and brother of the recently killed Ensign Jumonville, reached out to discuss the surrender of Washington and his troops.

What followed was a controversy that would haunt Washington for much of his life. Around midnight, Colonel Washington and Captain James Mackay signed the surrender document, which was written entirely in French. The British were allowed to retreat and keep their supplies and weapons, although they had to surrender the nine swivel guns. The controversy came from a clause in the document that stated Washington had assassinated Ensign Jumonville. By signing the document, Washington had essentially admitted (unknowingly, of course) to the murder of a French officer, despite his protestations that the translation he received used the word “killing” or “death of.”

On the morning of July 4, Washington and the remainder of his troops marched out of Fort Necessity and headed back to Virginia. Many years later, the date of July 4 would have a completely different meaning for George Washington. The Fort Necessity Campaign (to include the Battle of Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity) is considered the beginning of the French and Indian War in North America, which lasted from 1754 – 1763.

Interesting Facts

• Colonel Joshua Fry died after falling from his horse and breaking his neck. His death led to Washington’s promotion and assumption of command
• Fort Necessity was made of oak logs split in half and set upright in a circle. The fort was approximately 53 feet wide and had a 14 square foot storehouse inside
• George Washington would remember the lessons he learned at Fort Necessity, particularly in regards to “Indian warfare.” This experience and knowledge served him well during the American Revolution

Our Visit & Recommendations

The Fort Necessity National Battlefield is located along the historic National Road (U.S. 40) and is fairly accessible from the main highway. We were passing through the area and made the short detour to see the “charming field” that George Washington so famously described. Our particular visit was on a stunning late summer day with, of course, our pup Daisy.

When visiting the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, we recommend first stopping by the Interpretive and Education Center (the Visitor’s Center). Here you can grab a map of the battlefield, chat with a park ranger, and buy a book or souvenir at the gift shop. The Visitor’s Center also has a series of exhibits, which cover the Fort Necessity Campaign and the National Road. When you are ready to explore, head out the back of the Visitor’s Center (or walk around if you’re outside) to reach the trailhead.

The trails are well-marked and information panels provide a map of the trails, so you can decide how and what you would like to explore. The walk to the Great Meadows and Fort Necessity is short and will take you through a segment of the woods before reaching the clearing. As we meandered down the trail amidst thick forest and fluttering butterflies, I tried to imagine what it would have look like with hundreds of French and Indians moving about.

Once we reached the tree line and entered the Great Meadows, we were immediately struck by the beauty of the natural clearing- no wonder Washington referred to it as “charming.” A reconstructed Fort Necessity stood off in the distance and a series of information panels were scattered about, which we read to gain a better understanding of the fort and battle. The gorgeous summer weather encouraged us to linger for quite some time, as we took in the pastoral scene, smelled the fresh wild flowers, and admired the countless butterflies that call the meadow home.

Other than a reconstructed fort and storehouse, the National Park Service has placed signs all around the field surrounding the fort to show where the tree line was in 1754 (I was surprised to learn that it was considerably closer to the fort than the tree line today). This is an important aspect to understand, because the French and Indians were able to close well within musket range of the fort and Washington’s men, while they remained protected by the thick surrounding woods.

As you walk around Fort Necessity, be sure to admire the shallow earthworks that surround it. These have been remade over the years, but are very similar to what was in place during the battle (but please do not walk on them, because it can cause damage and erosion). There is also a replica swivel gun in front of the fort to give you an idea of what sort of armament Washington and his men had available to them.

Next, we stopped at the Mount Washington Tavern, which is located near the entrance of the battlefield. There is a walking trail behind the Visitor’s Center that will take you to the tavern; however, it is much easier to just drive and park at the tavern on your way out (this is recommended, especially for those who don’t wish to make the walk).

Mount Washington Tavern is located along the National Road, which was the first federally funded highway that linked the east and west of the nascent United States. The National Road was authorized by Congress in 1806 and work on it began in 1811. By 1839, over 600 miles was constructed and reached all the way to Vandalia, Illinois. Personally, the National Road holds a special in my heart, because I grew up along it in a small Indiana town!

The Mount Washington Tavern was built in the 1830s to serve the stagecoaches that passed up and down the National Road. Travelers could stop at the tavern to eat, drink, and rest (the second floor has bedrooms). Guests at the tavern would eat together in the dining room at one large table and eat from food platters placed before them. Unfortunately, advancements in technology and travel quickly put the tavern out of business and it was sold as a private residence in 1856.

If you’re interested, there are two other nearby historic sites that can easily be visited. Part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield is the grave of British General Edward Braddock, which is located just up the National Road from the battlefield. The remains of General Braddock were discovered in the area in 1804, which included officer’s uniform buttons that seemed to indicate it was his remains. Another historic site worth visiting is the nearby Jumonville Glen, where Washington skirmished with the French on May 28, 1754.

Artifacts

While there are not a lot of original items associated with Fort Necessity remaining, there are two interesting artifacts that are on display at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In the museum, there is a large piece of wood, believed to be a portion of a cross beam from Fort Necessity. The second item on display at the Mount Vernon Museum is a circa 1753 silver smallsword, made in London by John Carman II. This beautiful sword was owned by George Washington and it is believed that he carried it during the engagements at Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity!

Source(s): https://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm