Summer of 21 - #39 - Fort Necessity National Battlefield & Museum - Part 2 of 2

July 12th, 2021 - Part 2 of 2

This is part 2 of our visit to Fort Necessity. If you missed part 1 you can read it HERE. 

As we walked out of the museum, on the way to the fort, an educational playground has been built to let the children burn off some energy. I thought it was well done.

It was nice to get out in the fresh air and walk toward the reconstructed fort.

There were logs that were shaped like benches to sit on, maybe an outdoor classroom.

This butterfly made sure we saw it as it kept flying around us. 😀

The area is part of a trail system that you can explore. 

Over the years the landscape has changed with trees being cut down, but in 2018 the remnants of an old parking lot was demolished and replaced with grass and 50 trees were planted to reestablish the Tree Line that was so important to the battle. This helps visitors visualize the battle all those years ago. You can read more about the restoration HERE.

signs show where the tree line was

There's the fort in the distance. It's small size immediately struck you.  

                                

There were trees surrounding the fort on all sides which made it easy for the French to get close without being spotted. In retrospect a very bad location and bad planning on the part of Washington.   

You can read about the Battle of Fort Necessity HERE.

   

Inside the fort was a small building that was used to store provisions and ammunition. 

Sue peeking out of the fort

The flag flying outside the fort.

Sue & the Flag.

The French Attack is detailed HERE. 

"July 3, 1754 dawned gray and drizzly. Mid-morning about 700 French and Indians approached from the far end of the meadow toward fewer than 400 British soldiers in and around Fort Necessity. French Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers saw the British standing before their trenches, in battle lines typical of European tactics.

With a cry the Indians and French advanced. Strategies quickly changed as the British withdrew into their fortifications while the French and Indians dispersed into the woods to surround the fort. Most of the French and Indians concentrated in the woods behind you where — protected by trees and within accurate firing range — they held the advantage. As rain fell throughout the day, the French exchanged musket fire with the British, most of whom were lying in water-filled trenches."

British Defenses are detailed HERE.

"From the earthworks and stream banks behind you, the British fired back at the French and Indians. A steady rain dampened the gun powder and fouled muskets. Lying in water-filled trenches, the British soldiers' ammunition and morale began to dwindle. Casualties mounted. Dozens of wounded were carried or dragged into the stockade. About 30 dead soldiers lay in the mud.

By late afternoon, the drizzle changed to a downpour. When it stopped, the British feared the worst. With few bayonets to counter a deadly charge from the woods, the British were at a great disadvantage. Then, about 8:00 p.m., a Frenchman yelled out—not in a battle cry, as expected—but asking the British if they wanted to negotiate."

Surrender Negotiations are detailed HERE.

"Soon after 8:00 p.m. on July 3, 1754, the British crossed this meadow to discuss the surrender terms being offered by the French under Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers. The timing was fortunate for the British as about half of their 400 soldiers were sick, wounded, or dead. Surrounded by some 700 French and Indians, they had little chance of escape. Over the next four hours, French and British officers negotiated the surrender details.

At daybreak on July 4, the British marched from Fort Necessity between two facing ranks of French troops. The surrender terms allowed the British to carry out their arms, supplies, and wounded, and "return to their own country." Soon after it was vacated, the French burned Fort Necessity and left it in ruins."

The area is so peaceful now, it is hard to imagine a battle being fought here. 

Our next stop was Mount Washington Tavern which you can read about HERE. It is next to the Battlefield and was built in the 1830's as a stopping place on the National Road.

Mount Washington Tavern

There is a memorial stone for the Fort Necessity Battle here.

A wagon memorial is dedicated in memory of pioneer families of Western Pennsylvania.

It was an interesting day and we learned a lot. The drive home was scenic and we ended up on some dirt roads but life is always an adventure and we survived as did Tilly, our poor car. She is not getting any younger. We are getting close to 100,000 miles on her and she has been so good to us. Taking us to places we wouldn't have seen without her, ha!!ha!! 

Here's some farms for you Ryan.

Next up will be our visit to Old Bedford Village. Stay tuned.