Fort Necessity

Fort Necessity, located in modern-day Farmington, PA, was the site of the first actual military engagement of the French and Indian War.

Built by George Washington

George Washington ordered the fort's construction in 1754, after his forces engaged a French scouting party while marching toward Fort Duquesne. Washington ordered an attack on the party, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 French soldiers and the capture of 21 more. Washington then withdrew to Great Meadows, a large natural clearing that he made his base camp. At Great Meadows, Fort Necessity was hastily built and reinforced in anticipation of a possible French counterattack.

The French Burn it to the Ground

Word of the attack soon reached French military forces in the region. On July 3, 1754, 600 French troops led by Louis Coulon de Villiers, along with 100 natives ambushed the fort. Washington, who was badly outnumbered, accepted a truce that would allow he and his soldiers to withdraw from the fort peacefully. The French then occupied the fort and soon burned it to the ground. The battle at Fort Necessity marked the only time that George Washington ever surrendered in his military career.

Discussion Questions

  • Why did George Washington build Fort Necessity?
  • What happened during the attack on the French scouting party?
  • Why was the battle at Fort Necessity important to the start of the French and Indian War?
  • How did Washington’s surrender impact his career and reputation?

Glossary

  • Fort Necessity: A small fort built by George Washington in 1754 at Great Meadows.
  • French and Indian War: A war between Britain and France over land in North America (1754–1763).
  • Scout Party: A small group of soldiers sent to gather information about the enemy.
  • Truce: An agreement to stop fighting temporarily.
  • Surrender: To give up to the enemy and stop fighting.

Introduction

Fort Necessity, located in present-day Farmington, Pennsylvania, was the site of the first real battle of the French and Indian War.

Built by George Washington

In 1754, George Washington led British forces to the Ohio River Valley. His troops attacked a French scouting group, killing at least 10 and capturing 21. Expecting a French response, Washington retreated to a large open area called Great Meadows, where he quickly built Fort Necessity to prepare for battle.

The French Burn it to the Ground

On July 3, 1754, 600 French soldiers and 100 Native allies attacked Fort Necessity. Washington and his men were outnumbered and forced to surrender. The French let them leave safely, then took over the fort and burned it down. This was the only time George Washington ever surrendered in his military career.