Was Ft. Necessity really ‘a death trap’ foolishly chosen by George Washington?
I keep on reading that allegation but I wonder if it is really correct.
I keep on reading that allegation but I wonder if it is really correct.
The conventional wisdom, from Half King on down, avers that it was a poor choice for young George Washington to make as he awaited a French counteroffensive in the Allegheny Highlands at the outset of the French and Indian War. Most recently, I see where retired Army Lt. Gen. Dave R. Palmer, a fine military historian, repeats this. It was, he writes, “a large, low clearing dominated by tree-covered higher ground.” In other words, a death trap.
But I am not sure that Half King understood was Washington’s need for forage for animals. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Allegheny Highlands, hiking and kayaking. In those decades, I’ve noticed that there are only a handful of open, grassy “meadows” offering sufficient pasturage for more than a handful of draft animals. Almost all of those woods are heavily forested, with a few exceptions. I bet Washington’s first focus was on feeding his animals (and if necessary when besieged, eating them). And the spot he chose was one of a handful of places were grass was abundant.
I keep on reading that allegation but I wonder if it is really correct.
The conventional wisdom, from Half King on down, avers that it was a poor choice for young George Washington to make as he awaited a French counteroffensive in the Allegheny Highlands at the outset of the French and Indian War. Most recently, I see where retired Army Lt. Gen. Dave R. Palmer, a fine military historian, repeats this. It was, he writes, “a large, low clearing dominated by tree-covered higher ground.” In other words, a death trap.
But I am not sure that Half King understood was Washington’s need for forage for animals. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Allegheny Highlands, hiking and kayaking. In those decades, I’ve noticed that there are only a handful of open, grassy “meadows” offering sufficient pasturage for more than a handful of draft animals. Almost all of those woods are heavily forested, with a few exceptions. I bet Washington’s first focus was on feeding his animals (and if necessary when besieged, eating them). And the spot he chose was one of a handful of places were grass was abundant.
Also, in all the criticism, I’ve never seen an alternative site proposed. I think it was either Ft. Necessity or pull back to Cumberland.
What am I not seeing here?
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
