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Fort Necessity National BattlefieldCostumed soldier talking with school children at Fort Necessity
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Fort Necessity National Battlefield
History & Culture
 

The Fort Necessity Story
The confrontation at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the prelude to the war fought by England and France for control of the North American continent. The struggle was known in North America as the French and Indian War and spread around the world as the Seven Years' War. It ended in 1763 with the removal of French power from North America and India. The action at Fort Necessity was also the first major event in the military career of George Washington. It was the only time he ever surrendered to an enemy.

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The National Road
By early in the 19th century, the wilderness of the Ohio country had given way to settlement. The road Washington cut through the forest was replaced by the National Road. The road passed by Fort Necessity and bustled with traffic heading from port to plains and plains to port.

The Mount Washington Tavern was built near Fort Necessity as a stagecoach stop on the National Road. Today it is a museum dealing with life along the Road.

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Officer inspecting militia
The Fort Necessity Story
history of the Fort Necessity campaign
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National Road map
The National Road Story
history of the first federally funded highway
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Captain Stobo  

Did You Know?
After the battle at Fort Necessity, hostage Captain Stobo was held by the French at Fort Duquesne. Given some freedom, he drew a map of the fort and had an Indian smuggle it to the British. The map was captured by the French and Stobo tried for treason. He was found guilty but managed to escape.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:31 EST