The best camping near Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, which was the western frontier of America at one time. Little more than a stockade to enclose animals, the fort was George Washington's first taste of battle as a 22-year-old colonel. This would begin a cavalcade of events ending with the British surrender at Yorktown.)

The national battlefield here marks a turning point in American history. Washington commanded a group of 400 soldiers at the fort. He braced for an attack from 600 French soldiers and 100 Native Americans allied with the French. On July 3, 1754, the French assaulted the fort in retribution for a skirmish earlier in the year.

Washington's men tried to defend the fort with earthen trenches, but it rained on the day of the battle and the trenches didn't hold up as planned. By 8 p.m., Washington surrendered to the French forces.

As part of the surrender, Washington was forced to sign a document saying he assassinated a French officer. The French used this false confession as propaganda against the British to further their aims on the continent. The Battle of Fort Necessity marked the beginning of the French & Indian War. Britain's success strengthened its stronghold in America, but it also led to the American Revolution.

Fort Necessity was the only time in Washington's military career that he surrendered. Not bad for a 22-year-old colonel who went on to be one of the most amazing historical figures in the United States. You can see the field, and a recreation of the building, where the fort sat surrounded by rolling hills. During the summer months, Park Rangers, dressed in period costume, offer interpretations of what happened at the fort.