Reconstructing the French Assault on Fort Necessity using Metal Detection

Summary

This paper presents the results of recent metal detection surveys conducted by Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  Fort Necessity was a hastily fortified storehouse located within a historically significant landscape known as Great Meadows.  On July 3 1754, British Colonial forces led by George Washington defended Fort Necessity against a small army of French soldiers and French-allied Native Americans.  The Battle of Fort Necessity was a significant event in the life of Washington and was one of a series of diplomatic and military incidents leading to French and Indian War.  Metal detection at Great Meadows has provided evidence of firing positions of French and Native forces during the battle.  The archaeological data support previous scientific research pertaining to the location of the 18th century tree line around Great Meadows, and enables a more informed reconstruction of the chronology of the battle. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions) 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

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PaperId(s): 713