Circular stockade in the middle of a meadow. Dramatic clouds build in the blue sky.

National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

visit on nps.gov

Info

The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America. The stage was set for the American Revolution.

Park Photos

Circular stockade in the middle of a meadow. Dramatic clouds build in the blue sky.
1 of 3

The small circular stockade of Fort Necessity served as a supply depot for George Washington's Virginia Regiment during their 1754 campaign.

Credit: NPS Photo/Tom Markwardt

Circular stockade in the middle of a meadow. Dramatic clouds build in the blue sky.
cabin and stockade casting shadows on the snow
Fort Necessity and the Great Meadow with trail and tree in the foreground

Activities

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Living History
Historic Weapons Demonstration
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Picnicking
Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Playground
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Food
Shopping

Operating Hours

Entrance to Fort Necessity National Battlefield is allowed from sunrise until sunset. The park visitor center and Mount Washington Tavern museum have specific hours. Please see the listing for each facility.

DayHours
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset

Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

DayHours
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset

Jumonville Glen is open May 1 through October 31 from sunrise to sunset

DayHours
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

Weather varies considerably within each season. Be prepared with layered clothing. Precipitation is common throughout the year. Spring: Temperatures usually range from 25°F to 70°F. On average, May is the wettest month. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 50°F to 80°F. July is the warmest month. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 30°F to 70°F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid-October. Winter: Temperatures range from 15°F to 40°F. January is the coldest month.

Events