Fort Necessity will offer tours during the National Road Festival

Time and again, Brian Reedy, site manager at Fort Necessity, has seen adults who first visited the national battlefield on a field trip as children come back and realize the truly epic moment of history that the property reflects.

“It sets the stage for a lot of things to come,” Reedy said. “It is often said that it is a small fort with a big history. »

Fort Necessity is the site of the first battle of the French and Indian War of 1754 led by the young George Washington.

Although Washington lost the battle, these actions ultimately led to the American Revolution.

“Park rangers and volunteers will wear period costumes. There is a self-guided exhibit and a 20-minute orientation film. There’s a 5-minute walk to the battlefield and often musket demonstrations,” Reedy said.

Those visiting the battlefield on May 18 will also be able to see the grave of General Edward Braddock, killed in a surprise attack in 1755 near Fort Necessity. His death was another event that led to the eventual leadership of his aides-de-camp George Washington.

Mount. Washington Tavern is also on the property.

The two-story brick building was built by Judge Nathaniel Ewing in 1825 and includes a restored tasting room, parlor, kitchen and museum room.

The historic tavern is open from May 1 through the end of October and volunteers from Friends of Fort Necessity will be on hand to talk about the building and the tavern’s history.

The beginning of May marks the start of several summer programs.

“In addition to the National Road Festival, the following weekend will be Memorial Day and we will have a French and Indian War reenactment camp,” Reedy said. “There will be a hike to Jumonville Glen, site of a skirmish just before the first battle.”

Throughout the summer, Fort Necessity will offer anniversary programs on July 3 and 4 as well as a junior ranger program for students who are interested in learning more.

“There is so much rich history, culture and nature in this area,” Reedy said.

Just 30 miles away, Reedy said, is another national historic site along Highway 40.

“Friendship Hill was owned by Albert Gallatin. He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during the American Revolution and Washington became his mentor,” Reedy said. “He was instrumental in the construction of the national highway.”

There, visitors can tour the brick house made up of seven different additions, with the original house dating from 1789.

“There’s a beautiful park with 10 miles of trails to visit,” Reedy said. “Thanks to his many contributions, the property became a national park. »

For more information, visit https://home.nps.gov/fone/index.htm.