Braddock Carnegie Library

The French and Indian War And the Battle of Braddock

On July 9, 1755, General Edward Braddock, leading an army comprised of British regulars and Colonial recruits, was enroute to capture Fort Duquesne, at the mouth of the Ohio River. Braddock's army, consisting of approximately 2,000
officers and men (about 500 of whom were colonials) was
in the final stage of a difficult 110 mile march from Fort Cumberland, Maryland. A sizable number of wagoneers and aides-de-camp accompanied the army, along with more than 40 women.

After twice crossing the Monongahela River, Braddock's troops
encountered opposition consisting of approximately 650 Indians and 250 French and Canadians who had rushed out
from Fort Duquesne to engage Braddock's forces en route to the Fort.

A three hour battle ensued. The defeat of the British and colonial forces by the Indians and French shocked both the colonies and Europe. It was here that the legend of George Washington's leadership began and where colonials concluded they had overestimated the prowess of the British military. Both factors contributed to the American Revolution twenty years later. The alumni of Braddock’s Expedition comprise a who's who of colonial history.

Museum and Gallery
In addition to being the organizing force behind saving the Braddock Carnegie Library, the Braddock’s Field Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history surrounding
General Braddock and the French and Indian War. In 1999, the French & Indian War Museum & Gallery, located on the Library’s second floor, was opened. In 2001, four paintings purchased by Braddock area merchants and school children in
1911 were returned to the Museum. Including Emmanuel Leutze’s Braddock’s Defeat and Frederic James’ Franklin and
Braddock, the paintings had been missing since 1985. Visit our Museum & Gallery to see artifacts and pictorial depictions of the battle and to learn more about this significant era in American history.

© 2004
Braddock's Field Historical Society/Braddock
Carnegie Library

Donations may be sent to the
Braddock Carnegie Library
419 Library St
Braddock, PA 15104

United Way Donor ID: 3965

Braddock Carnegie Library is owned and operated by the Braddock’s Field Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.

Annual membership fees are:
$5 Student - $15 Individual - $25 Family - $50 Patron - $100

Members receive a newsletter, 10% discount on gift shop purchases, discounts on facility rental and select programs and activities, free admission to the French & Indian War Museum & Gallery, and VIP library tour (by appointment only).

Donations and Memberships are always welcome!