Jun 28, 2002 3 min read

FARMINGTON – The National Park Service will commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Necessity on Wednesday with a musical tribute, special programs and a memorial ceremony. The opening battle of what became the French and Indian War was fought at The Great Meadows, now the site of Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

Also called the Seven Years War, the British and French fought this conflict around the world. Control of North America was the ultimate prize.

The memorial program is dedicated to the men who fought and died on this battlefield.

On July 3, 1754, more than 600 French and 100 Indians surrounded almost 400 soldiers from the Virginia Regiment and the South Carolina Independent Co.

The young Col. George Washington commanded his first battle, resulting in his only military surrender. The battle left 30 men dead and 70 wounded on the British side.

The French and Indians had fewer casualties, with three dead and 17 wounded.

The French burned the fort and returned to Fort Duquesne, located in present day Pittsburgh. By 1763 the French and Indian War was over.

The French were eliminated as a political power in North America and India.

The British gained control of those areas, and the lives of the American Indians had been changed forever.

Commemorative programs will be held at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, which is located on Route 40.

Participants dressed in French and Indian War costumes will welcome questions from visitors throughout the day.

Joanne Hanley, superintendent of Fort Necessity National Battlefield, will pay homage to the soldiers and warriors who fought in her remarks on the battlefield near the fort.

Following Hanley’s remarks, a roll call of the dead and a musket firing will conclude the memorial service.

This hour-long, three-segment program will encompass the different perspectives of the American Indians, French and British during the French and Indian War.

This program will be presented twice, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for park visitors.

The Cultures in Conflict program will begin at the Visitor Center. A park ranger will present insights on the American Indians’ involvement in the French and Indian War.

A costumed Virginia regiment soldier will then present a British perspective at the benches near the fort.

After hearing the British point of view, a costumed Canadian militiaman will lead the group to his camp for the French position on the war.

There will be a musket firing demonstration at the fort after this program.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience the nation’s heritage.

A $3 park entrance fee applies to all visitors age 17 and over. The entrance fee is valid for one week. Annual passes are available.