State(s): Pennsylvania
Link: https://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm
During a recent family visit, we turned the drive into an adventure of its own — weaving in a remarkable string of historic and natural stops along the way. From the storied grounds of Fort Monroe National Monument and the rich colonial history of Colonial National Historical Park, to the Civil War echoes of Richmond National Battlefield Park and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, each stop offered a deeper look into the stories that shaped our nation. We also carved out time for the serene trails of Prince William Forest Park, the hallowed fields of Monocacy National Battlefield, the breathtaking scenery of Ohiopyle State Park, and the historic grounds of Fort Necessity National Battlefield — rounding out the journey with a truly unique visit to First Ladies National Historic Site. It was the kind of road trip that reminds you just how much history and beauty there is to discover, even on the way home.
Info
Fort Necessity National Battlefield, located in Farmington, Pennsylvania, marks the site of George Washington’s first military engagement during the French and Indian War. In 1754, a young Lieutenant Colonel Washington led Virginia militia troops in building a makeshift stockade here, only to be defeated by French and Native American forces — his only formal military surrender. The site preserves this pivotal moment in history, which helped ignite a global conflict between Britain and France.
What We Did
The visitor center was a great first stop, offering an engaging museum and a well-produced 17-minute film that set the stage perfectly for the rest of the visit. From there, a short, easy walk led down to the reconstructed fort itself — and with the context the video provided, the experience felt all the more meaningful.
