The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War and very notable as the first major event in the military career of George Washington. The war ended with the removal of French power from North America and helped set the stage for the American Revolution.
Please plan to join us for a drive and gathering event on Saturday, August 21. RSVPs requested.
*Note - if the drive is not convenient for you, please feel free to meet us at Fort Necessity for the 10:30 program (Fort Necessity National Battlefield: 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437)
Key event details:
1. Please plan to meet at 8:45am on Saturday, August 21 at Sarris Candies in Canonsburg. (Sarris: 511 Adams Ave., Canonsburg, PA 15317)
2. We need to leave by 9:00am to allow adequate time to drive to Ft. Necessity for our guided program, starting at 10:30am.
*Note – While Sarris Candies does not formally open until 9:00, their management has said employees will allow club members to enter prior to this time for the purchase of any desired “treats for the road” before we head out.
3. Upon arrival at Ft. Necessity, we will gather in the visitor center which is the starting location for the program (guided by either a park ranger or a volunteer).
4. 10:30am – Ft. Necessity campaign and battle overview talk begins in the visitor center.
5. 11:00 – Soldier life and musket demonstration begins.
6. ~11:30 we will regroup and proceed to a nearby restaurant for lunch at the Braddock Inn. (Braddock Inn: 3261 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437)
Additional Details:
While good brakes are always a critically important safety system for your vehicle, due to the STEEP hills on US 40 please make extra sure your brakes are in top condition before this drive.
If folks want to do other nearby interesting tours in the area in the afternoon:
The Ft. Necessity visitor center also has interesting exhibits and a 20-minute video that provides additional details regarding the Ft. Necessity battle. The video repeats every 30 minutes throughout the day.
The Spruce Forest Artisan Village is about a 45 minute drive further on US 40 including various artisans exhibiting their work (which can include pottery, weaving, woodturning or jewelry; note availability can vary). Also note that artists are scheduled to participate in a special painting exhibit on August 21.
Other options along the return drive include Fallingwater, Laurel Caverns and various wineries.