Fort Necessity to host American Indian program
FARMINGTON – Three conflicting cultures collided at Fort Necessity in 1754. The events there led directly to the French and Indian War. The British sent large armies to North America to gain control of their claims. The French were determined to maintain their claims on the same lands. Various nations of American Indians tried to determine which group of Europeans had plans that best matched their own. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the National Park Service is offering one American Indian perspective as park ranger Mary Jane McFadden presents “Queen Aliquippa Seneca Matriarch.” This slide program and lecture begins at 2 p.m. at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield Visitor Center. It is part of the nationwide observance of American Indian Month.
McFadden highlights the life of Queen Aliquippa, a powerful Seneca woman of colonial times. Aliquippa was a person of considerable influence among the Native Americans in her area and a staunch ally of the English. She regarded herself as sovereign of her people and made the decision to form an alliance with the English instead of the French. This decision helped to start the French and Indian War. For more information about Fort Necessity National Battlefield or this special program, call 724-329-5512.
or visit the National Park Service online at www.nps.gov/fone/.