George Washington Slept Here - Fort Necessity National Battlefield

During one of our spring trips, we toured many historic sites and battlefields.  I was familiar with many of the Civil War sites but the American Revolutionary War sites ... not so much.  Quite frankly, I never heard of Fort Necessity.  So this was something new for me.  

This park land “preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Necessity. The battle, which took place on July 3, 1754, was an early battle of the French and Indian War, and resulted in the surrender of British colonial forces under Colonel George Washington, to the French and Indians, under Louis Coulon de Villiers.  The site also includes the Mount Washington Tavern, once one of the inns along the National Road.”*   

In 1769, George Washington bought 235 acres of meadows where he had commanded his first battle 15 years earlier.  He called the land “Mount Washington” and thought it was a perfect place for an Inn.  Unfortunately, he died (December 14, 1799) before the National Road or Tavern was built.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield was established on March 4, 1931. I think it is an appropriate date since March Fourth is considered the only commanding day of the year – “Soldiers, March Forth!” 

Upon our arrival, we stop at the Visitor Center and watch a 20-minute video about the history of the fort and battle.  We take a few minutes to walk through the exhibit area.  This helps to give us a better understanding of the events that took place here.  

Visitor Center

Kids Play Area Outside Visitor Center

We go for a short walk down the paved pathway to view the historic fort.  The exterior wall is a circular fence made of tree trunks.  Inside the fort, a grassy area surrounds a small square single-story wooden structure with one door. 

Trail to Fort Necessity

A Peek Inside the Fort

Color Sketch - Inside the Fort

There are trails to hike around the Battlefield.  One of the trails will lead you up the steep hillside to the Mt. Washington Tavern.  If you are not feeling energetic, you can drive to the Tavern’s parking lot.

NPS Trail Map

Trails along the Battlefield

Trail leading to Mount Washington Tavern

My favorite part of our visit was seeing the Mt. Washington Tavern.  It functioned as a tavern along the National Road from the 1830’s to the 1850's.  It was considered one of the best establishments along the stagecoach route.  They offered travelers good food and a place to rest.  In the 1960’s, the tavern was included as part of the National Battlefield property.  

Exhibit Sign at Mt. Washington Tavern

Mt. Washington Tavern

We go inside the Tavern.  It has been furnished as it might have looked during the 1840’s.  From each doorway we can see into the various rooms of the tavern – dining room, barroom, parlor, and upstairs bedrooms. 

Bar Room

Gentlemen's Games

In the 1840’s meals were served family-style and cost 25 cents per person. 

Parlor

Dining Room

How different the lodging was back then compared to today.  Not only did travelers share a room with strangers (and maybe even a bed) but they slept on sheets that had been previously used by others.  The cost to stay overnight was 50 cents per person per night. 

Exhibit Sign - Second Floor Bedrooms

Typical Bedroom with Wash Basin and Chamber Pot

Taverns like this were built every few miles along the National Road.    The National Road was constructed between the years of 1811-1818.  By 1853, the railroad offered faster, less expensive and a more comfortable way to travel resulting in the decline of the National Road. 

NATIONAL ROAD BACKGROUND: “In 1806, Congress authorized the construction of the National Road (also known as the Cumberland Road, and later US Route 40) and President Jefferson signed the act establishing the National Road.  It was the first major improved highway in the United States built by the federal government.  The National Road linked the eastern and western states in the first half of the 19th century, running from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia,, Illinois.”*    

*Map of the National Road Route

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Fort Necessity National battlefield, 3414 National Pike (aka US-40) in Fayette County - Farmington, Pennsylvania (USA)

Telephone:  (724) 329-5512 

HOURS:  The park grounds are open daily from Sunrise - Sunset, all year;.  The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (except federal holidays).   The Mt. Washington Tavern is open from May 1-October 31 (check with the Visitor Center for hours). 

Farmington (less than 2 miles from Fort Necessity) and Uniontown (about 11 miles from Fort Necessity) both offer lodging and dining choices.   Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on lodging and dining options.  

While we are on vacation there is so much to see and so little time. For information on other interesting places in Pennsylvania, I invite you to view my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:
Gettysburg National Military Park
Ohiopyle State Park
Valley Forge NHP
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Altoona Railroaders Museum & Horseshoe Curve
Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS
Old Bedford Village


Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Fort Necessity National Battlefield click on the “Plan Your Visit” link below:

Fort Necessity NB

*Source:  National Park Service