Little Meadows, Maryland facts for kids
Little Meadows is a historic spot located in western Maryland, right at the base of Meadow Mountain. During the French and Indian War, it was a common stopping point for British soldiers. Even famous figures like George Washington visited this area often.
George Washington and Little Meadows
In 1753, the French refused to leave the Ohio territory, which was claimed by the British. Because of this, Governor Robert Dinwiddie of Virginia sent Lieutenant Colonel George Washington to make them leave. Washington was part of the new Virginia Regiment.
In early May 1754, Washington and his men started their journey from Wills Creek (now Cumberland, Maryland). They stopped at Little Meadows to set up camp. Washington wrote to Governor Dinwiddie on May 9, explaining that the rough land was slowing them down.
Washington and his troops then moved on. They ambushed some French forces and built a fort called Fort Necessity. However, they were later defeated there and had to return to Cumberland. This ambush and battle were a major spark for the French and Indian War. This war was also part of a bigger worldwide conflict called the Seven Years' War.
Braddock's Expedition to Little Meadows
On June 10, 1755, British and American forces left Fort Cumberland. They were heading west. Six days later, on June 16, they arrived at Little Meadows. Sir John St. Clair had already set up a temporary camp there.
General Braddock was the main British commander. He was not used to fighting in the wilderness. So, he asked Washington for advice. Washington then helped prepare the troops to march towards Fort Duquesne.
While at camp, a famous frontiersman named Captain Jack offered his help. He led a group of forest rangers. These men dressed in leather and cloth and fought like Native Americans. They offered to gather information and bother enemy Native American groups. However, General Braddock did not like their unusual fighting style. He turned down their offer.
On June 19, Washington and 1,200 troops, along with their Native American allies, moved out. They were heading towards Fort Duquesne. General Braddock stuck to European fighting methods, which made their march very slow. They only traveled 12 miles in four days. Washington noted that instead of moving quickly, they stopped to flatten every small hill and build bridges over every stream.
Nine miles from Fort Duquesne, French and Native American forces attacked. The British were eventually defeated in what became known as the Battle of the Monongahela. General Braddock was badly wounded and later died.
