in 1754 english forces under george Walshington had begun their march to fort Duquesne for the purposes of ousting the french from the region by force. On the way they encountered a french scouting party near present - day Uniontown,Pennsylvania.Glen.Washington soon took camp at Great Meadows,a large natural clearing,and ordered the construction of Fort Necessity in anticipation of a French response. The French did respond,as 600 soldiers forced Washington to surrender the fort.The French and Indian War had begun.