Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Park Revolution-era battlefield site of Washington's 1754 surrender
Near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Fort Necessity National Battlefield preserves the 1754 site where George Washington fought in the French and Indian War; visitors explore a reconstructed earthwork, visitor center exhibits, and trails.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Pennsylvania preserves the site of a 1754 engagement early in the French and Indian War in which forces led by a young George Washington occupied a hastily built fort. The site interprets the battle and its role in the escalation of conflict between British and French colonial interests.
On site are a visitor center with exhibits, interpretive trails across the battlefield and a reconstructed version of the small earthen fort where the action occurred. Short walks allow visitors to view interpreted positions and landscape features tied to the engagement.
The fort was constructed in 1754 by Washington and his men during a campaign in the Ohio Country; after an artillery and infantry action they surrendered to French forces on July 3, 1754. The site has since been preserved and interpreted for its historical importance.
The battlefield is located in southwestern Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands near the village of Farmington, within Fayette County.
- Washington's surrender: Site of the 1754 engagement in which a young George Washington surrendered to French forces - often noted as Washington's only military surrender.
- Visitor facilities: The park includes a visitor center, interpretive trails and a reconstructed version of the original earthen fort.
Tips for Visiting Fort Necessity National Battlefield #
- Arrive early and begin at the visitor center to watch the orientation film and pick up park literature - the short site is easier to appreciate with the historical context provided there.
- Visit outside peak summer hours if possible; ranger talks and living-history demonstrations (when scheduled) add a lot to a short visit, so check the National Park Service page for program times before you go.
Best Time to Visit Fort Necessity National Battlefield #
Late spring through early fall is best for outdoor exploration and interpretation programs when weather is mild and trails are accessible.
Weather & Climate near Fort Necessity National Battlefield #
Fort Necessity National Battlefield's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1157 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
