File:Stop 3 - Washington Arrives - Defenses (d28de9de-b4a0-4e96-b1f7-7e8225d27d71).JPG

A view of the trail to The Great Meadows crossing a bridge, with the stockade of Fort Necessity in the distance

George Washington recognized that this rare opening in the forest was a good place to camp. There was grass for the livestock, water for the men and animals, and open terrain were he could engage any enemies. After more than three weeks of clearing a road through thick forest, he decided to make camp here and wait for expected reinforcements. He set up his camp in the “vee” between the two streams that joined in the meadow. The stream banks provided some natural defenses from which his men could fire if the need arose. Despite the ground being marshy in spots, Washington described the area as “a charming field for an encounter” The road Washington cleared skirts the meadow to the south. It was improved the following summer (1755), by General Braddock, and became known as the Braddock Road. You can hike portions of the Braddock Road Trace on the park trail system. Continuing on one of the trails about 150 yards beyond the fort will bring you to the Braddock Trace. Beyond that, there is about five miles of hiking trails through the park.

• Keywords: 360 photo; Fort Necessity National Battlefield Cell Phone Tour