Indian Run

A modern bridge over the channelized Indian Run

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

3 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437

Significance:

French and Indian War

Designation:

National Battlefield

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

Indian Run is the name of one of the channelized creeks that drain through the Great Meadows, intersecting with Great Meadows Run next to Fort Necessity.

George Washington wished to use these natural entrenchments as a defensive position to protect the original supply stockade of what would become Fort Necessity. Unfortunately on the day of the Battle of the Great Meadows on July 3rd, 1754 a steady rain would settle in, flooding the creek beds and turning the Great Meadows into a large quagmire.

Washington would say it was the heaviest rain he'd seen in his twenty-two years. Although the swampy terrain would fend off any frontal charges on Fort Necessity that day, it depleted the will of the soldiers defending Fort Necessity, helping to force the surrender of the British to French.

• Washington's Arrival and Defenses

  
  

  An audio clip from the self guided tour that describes what George Washington saw when he chose the location of what would become Fort Necessity
  Audio Transcript

  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.