Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield is located in southwestern Pennsylvania. It was established as a national battlefield in 1931 and covers an area of approximately 900 acres. The park is situated in the Great Meadows, a historic region where several significant events during the French and Indian War took place.

The historical background of Fort Necessity National Battlefield dates back to 1754 when a young George Washington, then a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, led his men in constructing a makeshift fort at this location. The fort was built in response to aggressive French actions in the Ohio River Valley and the Battle of Jumonville Glen, which marked the beginning of the French and Indian War. However, on July 3, 1754, the fort fell under siege by French forces under the command of Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, resulting in a brief but intense battle that ended with Washington's surrender.

Visitors to the Fort Necessity National Battlefield can explore a reconstructed version of the original fort, complete with palisades and a wooden stockade. The fort provides insights into the challenges faced by Washington and his men during this historic period. Additionally, there is a museum within the park that showcases artifacts, exhibits, and audiovisual presentations that delve deeper into the events surrounding the French and Indian War. On certain occasions, reenactments of the battle are also held, allowing visitors to witness the historical conflict firsthand.

Besides the fort and museum, visitors can enjoy various recreational activities within the park, such as hiking the trails that traverse the Great Meadows, picnicking, and attending ranger-led programs. The park offers a picnic area, a bookstore, and facilities for visitors to enhance their experience.

For those interested in exploring attractions nearby, the Laurel Highlands region offers a wide range of options. Just a short drive from Fort Necessity National Battlefield, visitors can find Fallingwater, one of America's most famous houses designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Additionally, nearby attractions include Kentuck Knob, Ohiopyle State Park, and the Flight 93 National Memorial, which commemorates the heroic actions of the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11 attacks.

In conclusion, Fort Necessity National Battlefield serves as a reminder of the historic events that unfolded during the French and Indian War. Visitors can immerse themselves in this significant period of American history by exploring the reconstructed fort, museum, and surrounding trails. With numerous attractions nearby, the park offers a well-rounded experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield is strategically situated within the picturesque state of Pennsylvania. This historical site is nestled in the heart of Fayette County, southwest of the Keystone State. Surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the battlefield lies in close proximity to the acclaimed Seven Springs Resort and Laurel Hill State Park. Its geographical location showcases the alluring landscapes of western Pennsylvania, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers. Visitors can revel in the serenity of the area's natural beauty while exploring the significant historical events that took place at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

Address & Contact

3 Washington Parkway
Farmington, PA 15437
Driving Directions
Phone: (724) 329-5805
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fort Necessity National Battlefield would be in the months of May, September, or October. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 66°F to 78°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation ranges from 3.8 to 3.9 inches, which is relatively moderate compared to other months. These months also have a moderate number of visitors, avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fort Necessity National Battlefield are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Hiking Front-Country Hiking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Playground

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fort Necessity National Battlefield: Archeology Transportation Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Forts Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Roads, Routes and Highways French and Indian War

Visitor Centers

Mount Washington Tavern

The Mount Washington Tavern is a museum that focuses on travel and life along the National Road in the early 1800s, when it was a stagecoach stop along the nation's first federally funded highway.

Campsites within or near Fort Necessity National Battlefield

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Lakeview Golf Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Located in Morgantown, Lakeview Golf Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is on a lake, a 3-minute drive from Cheat River and 9 minutes from West Virginia Botanic Garden. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and ATM/banking services. Planning an event in Morgantown? This resort has facilities measuring 322920 square feet (30000 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Lakeview Dr, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508
Web: Link

Nemacolin

Located in Farmington, Nemacolin is a 2-minute drive from Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin and 12 minutes from Ohiopyle State Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free valet parking is available onsite.
Address: 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, Pennsylvania 15437
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Morgantown

Located in Morgantown, Super 8 by Wyndham Morgantown is in a shopping district, a 1-minute drive from WVU Medicine and 7 minutes from Mon Health Medical Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Morgantown? This hotel has facilities measuring 550 square feet (51 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 603 Venture Dr, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Uniontown PA- NEWLY RENOVATED

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Uniontown PA- NEWLY RENOVATED in Uniontown, you'll be 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from State Theatre Center for the Arts and 14.7 mi (23.6 km) from Laurel Caverns. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 701 West Main St, Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401
Web: Link

The Historic Summit Inn

With a stay at The Historic Summit Inn in Farmington, you'll be 5.3 mi (8.6 km) from Laurel Caverns and 8.2 mi (13.2 km) from Kentuck Knob. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and a library. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 101 Skyline Drive, Farmington, Pennsylvania 15437
Web: Link

The Captain's Watch Inn

When you stay at The Captain's Watch Inn in Greensboro, you'll be 11 minutes by car from Cheat River. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 105 County Street, Greensboro, Pennsylvania 15338
Web: Link

The Lodge at Chalk Hill

With a stay at The Lodge at Chalk Hill in Farmington, you'll be 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from Kentuck Knob and 8 mi (12.8 km) from Cucumber Falls.
Address: 2920 National Pike, Chalkhill, Farmington, Pennsylvania 15421
Web: Link

Riverside Hotel

Located in Friendsville, Riverside Hotel is on a river, within a 15-minute drive of Youghiogheny River and Youghiogheny River Lake. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 639 Water Street, Friendsville, Maryland 21531
Web: Link

The Lake Manor

Located in Morgantown, The Lake Manor is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of Cheat River and WVU Medicine. Featured amenities include a business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and microwave in a common area. This bed & breakfast has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 475 Fairchance Rd, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508
Web: Link

The Cranberry, Ascend Hotel Collection

With a stay at The Cranberry, Ascend Hotel Collection in Morgantown, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Cheat River and Coopers Rock State Forest. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Morgantown? This hotel has facilities measuring 1536 square feet (143 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2700 CRANBERRY SQUARE, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508
Web: Link