Fort Necessity National Battlefield - Activities

Fort Necessity National Battlefield by National Parks Service

The Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. The ten-minute slide presentation introduces the park story. The ranger on duty will answer your questions and collect your entrance fee. Talks, tours, and historic weapons demonstrations are offered during the busy spring and summer months. Get a complete schedule of activities at the visitor center.

Follow the short paved path from the visitor center to the Great Meadow and Fort Necessity, where the French and Indian War began.

A 200 yard paved path up a steep hill behind the visitor center leads to the Mount Washington Tavern. It is furnished to show how it may have appeared during its heyday (1828-1855).

Five miles of hiking trails lead through forest and meadows around Fort Necessity. Cross-country skiing is available in winter, although trails are not groomed.

A monument marks the final resting place of British General Edward Braddock at the Braddock Grave Unit . Outdoor exhibits explain the ill-fated Braddock Campaign of 1755. A trace of the Braddock Road is clearly visible at this site.

Jumonville Glen , approximately 7 miles from Fort Necessity, is the site of Washington's first encounter with the French. A natural rock outcropping marks the site of the skirmish. Interpretive signs help visitors understand the event. Jumonville Glen is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Plan 1 1/2 to 2 hrs to see the historic sites in the main of the park. Add an hour to visit Braddock's grave