Fort Necessity

Fort Necessity is a circular stockade fort with a 16-meter (53-foot) diameter, surrounded by defensive earthworks and trenches with a central storage building inside. A visitor center sits nearby to provide context about the military installation.

George Washington built the fort in 1754 as a defensive position during the opening phase of the French and Indian War. The structure was abandoned shortly after and remained largely altered over the following centuries.

The site is connected to George Washington's first command and visitors experience it as a place marking an early chapter of his career. The way the landscape is maintained today reflects how Americans view this moment in their past.

The fort and visitor center are open year-round, connected by a short walking path that takes about 10 minutes to traverse. Good footwear helps since the ground is uneven and walking is the best way to explore the site.

Archaeological work in the 1950s revealed the fort's true circular shape, correcting long-standing beliefs about how it was actually built. This discovery helped historians understand the original design better.

Location: Fayette County

GPS coordinates: 39.81521,-79.58940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43