The French and Indian War -- 1754 and 1763

The first major event of the war was in 1754, when a Virginia major named George Washington, was sent to negotiate boundaries with the French. Washington stumbled upon the French about 40 miles before reaching Fort Duquesne. In the ensuing skirmish, an officer named Joseph Coulon de Jumonville was among French casualties, news of which would have certainly provoked a strong French response. Washington pulled back several miles and established Fort Necessity. The French attacked this position on July 4, forcing Washington to negotiate a withdrawal under arms.

Muskets fired at a recreation of the Fort Necessity Stockade for the documentary "George Washington Remembers." George Washington defended the makeshift fort against a French-allied Native American attack.