Braddock Carnegie Library   

Celebrate History with Us

Braddock’s Field Historical Society

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 enroute 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

Click bus for PAT schedules, 56B or 61B.

Donations and Memberships

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 - Friend

$250 - Sponsor

$500 - Benefactor

$100 – Corporate

 

Members receive a bimonthly 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!

Library CATALOG

Search this catalog for books in the Braddock Library, or order books from another Allegheny library for pick up!

Photo Album

Carnegie Libraries

 

Andrew Carnegie

Photo Album

 

The Carnegie Formula

Early Carnegie Libraries

Interested in volunteering at the Braddock Carnegie?

Or are you a college student eligible for work study?

Please contact us by email. 

To contact us:

 

Braddock Carnegie Library

419 Library Street

Braddock, PA 15104

(412) 351-5356

bclreference@yahoo.com