Continuing on our trip, the next site was Jumonville Glen. This is the battle that started the French and Indian War and brought George Washington into notoriety. The site is right down the road about fifteen minutes from Broddock’s tomb memorial.
“A short skirmish between French and colonial Virginian soldiers was fought here, the first shots of the French and Indian War. This location is open seasonally and includes a ½ mile walking trail and interpretive signs. After hiking all night, on the morning of May 28, 1754, Lt. Col. George Washington met with his American Indian allies who led his to the secluded spot where the French were camped. He planned to surround the party of French soldiers and find out what they were up to. However, while getting into position a shot was fired. Washington order the Virginia soldiers with him to open fire. After 15 minutes the French surrendered. In the confusion that followed, the wounded French commander, Ensign Jumonville, was attacked by one of Washington’s American Indian allies, and killed.“
https://www.nps.gov/places/jumonville-glen.htm
We pulled up and parked out car in the main parking lot, that is a short walk from the actual site. There you have the customary description of events signage and walking trail. The trail takes you to the high ground where Washingtons troops surprised the French from. The trail continues around the rock cliff to where the French were camped. The trail is all dirt and stone. Was there was a light drizzle coming down when we were there, it was a tad slippery. So, beware! The trail then goes into the woods for a longer walking trail. With the rain, we opted to just stick to the area of fighting and appreciated the overall situation of the French.
Standing in the space, it seems quite inconceivable that such a small plot of land in the middle of the forrest could have such worldwide consequences. However, it did. Must like so many events in history, a minor dust up turned into something much more major. I can’t help but wonder if Chief Half King did not get exactly what he really wanted…
I took a few photos and it was time to head back. So, we just retraced out steps back up the hill (very carefully) and headed to the next stop, Fort Necessity.
- Manteuffel