Battle of Jumonville Glen
Near Farmington, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA
What happened
A young George Washington, with Virginian troops and the Mingo leader Tanacharison, met a French Canadian party led by Joseph Coulon de Jumonville. Washington's men and Tanacharison's warriors surprised Jumonville's camp, and the fight lasted about 15 minutes. Jumonville fell and most of his party were captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Britain and France were not at war, so the clash caused an international storm. It helped start the French and Indian War, part of the worldwide Seven Years' War.
What came next
A larger French force led by Jumonville's brother forced Washington to surrender Fort Necessity on 3 July 1754. Britain then sent General Braddock with an army in 1755.
Did you know?
The surrender paper Washington signed was in French, which he could not read, and it called Jumonville's death an 'assassination'.
Timeline
- 28 May 1754Skirmish at Jumonville Glen, Washington's first combat.
- 3 July 1754Washington surrenders Fort Necessity.
- 1755Braddock's expedition is defeated at the Monongahela.
- 1756Britain and France declare war.