PA Museums

Exploring Braddock’s Battlefield History Center Near Pittsburgh

A four-photo collage of Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh, featuring the building's exterior with its name on the facade, an indoor display of a historical battle scene diorama, a brass cannon exhibit, and a case of rusted artifacts from the Battle of the Monongahela. Each image captures a different aspect of the museum's offerings, from its architecture to the detailed presentations of historical artifacts.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Braddock’s Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh, you’re in the right place!

The main exhibit hall at Braddock's Battlefield History Center, showcasing a brass cannon in the foreground and mannequins dressed in period military uniforms. The walls are a rich green color, lined with framed historical paintings and informative displays, including one titled "Franco-Indian Army." The space is well-lit, creating an inviting atmosphere for learning about the historical events associated with the center. — Main exhibit hall at the museum.

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center, located in North Braddock, just east of Pittsburgh, serves as a poignant reminder of one of the early and significant battles in American history.

Exterior view of Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh, featuring a simple, single-story building with cinder block walls. On the side of the building, a large sign with an image of General Braddock and the text "Braddock's Battlefield History Center" is displayed. In the foreground, there is a blue historic marker sign with a circular emblem. The center is surrounded by a bare tree landscape under an overcast sky. — The history center is built on the actual battlefield.

The center preserves and interprets the historical significance of the Battle of the Monongahela, also known as Braddock’s Defeat, which took place on July 9, 1755.

An informational exhibit at Braddock's Battlefield History Center detailing the biography of General Edward Braddock, including his early life, military career, and his role as a major-general in the Coldstream Guards. Below the biography, there's a section titled "Braddock's 'Family'", describing his military aides-de-camp and their close relationship, particularly mentioning George Washington as a volunteer aide-de-camp. The text is printed on white paper against a green background. — Biographical details on General Edward Braddock.

This battle was part of the French and Indian War, a pivotal conflict that set the stage for the American Revolution.

An exhibition titled "Franco-Indian Army" at Braddock's Battlefield History Center, featuring mannequins dressed in French and Native American warrior attire. The French uniform includes a blue coat with red and gold detail, while the Native American attire features a breechcloth, leggings, and traditional adornments. The background is a green wall with framed artworks and maps related to the historical period, as well as informational texts. — Details about the French and their Native American allies.

The Battle at Braddock’s Field was a disastrous encounter for the British and colonial troops led by General Edward Braddock.

A detailed painting at Braddock's Battlefield History Center depicting the wounding of General Braddock. The scene is set in a dense forest with soldiers in red uniforms and others in civilian clothing, amidst chaos and battle. In the center, a figure presumed to be General Braddock is being attended to, showing the tense and urgent moments on the battlefield. The artwork captures the intensity and drama of the historical event it represents. — Painting of General Braddock after he had been mortally wounded.

His mission had been to march his army from Cumberland, Maryland to Fort Duquesne (present day Point State Park in Pittsburgh) and capture it from the French.

A map detailing the 1755 route General Braddock took from Cumberland, Maryland to modern day Braddock, PA.

But roughly 10 miles southeast of Fort Duquesne, as Braddock’s army crossed the Monongahela River, they were ambushed by French and Native American forces, leading to a devastating defeat for the British.

A framed painting displayed at Braddock's Battlefield History Center depicting two Native American warriors observing British troops crossing the Monongahela River. The scene is set in a lush, green landscape with the river and the red-coated soldiers in formation, conveying a moment from the historical Battle of the Monongahela. — Native Americans observing the British troops crossing the Monongahela River.

Braddock was mortally wounded in the fight and died during the retreat; he is buried near Fort Necessity in Fayette County.

General Braddock's grave along Route 40 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. — General Braddock’s grave along Route 40 in Fayette County.

The battle is historically significant as it highlighted the challenges of colonial warfare, including the difficulties of navigating and fighting in the rugged American landscape.

An exhibit at Braddock's Battlefield History Center titled "Braddock's Defeat–Beaujeu's Victory," featuring framed historical maps, a rifle displayed on the wall, and descriptive texts detailing battle strategies and accounts. Also included are artifacts in a display case, a small cannon model, and a sign reminding visitors "Please Do Not Touch" the exhibits. The green walls of the exhibit space provide a contrasting backdrop that highlights the historical documents and artifacts. — Details about General Braddock’s defeat on the banks of the Monongahela.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center is located at 609 6th St, Braddock, PA 15104.

From April – October the museum is open Thursday through Sunday 11AM – 4PM.

On days the museum is open, the hours are 11AM – 4PM.

From November – March the museum is open Friday through Sunday 11AM – 4PM.

A display case at Braddock's Battlefield History Center showcasing a replica of a British military uniform from the mid-18th century. The uniform includes a red coat with blue facings, gold braid, and brass buttons, a black tricorne hat with gold trim, and a white waistcoat. Below the uniform, a framed photograph depicts reenactors in period attire, and a decorative drum with historical motifs is also visible. — Replica of a British uniform.

Admission fees are: Adults: $5.00 | Military, Veterans, & Youths (6-17): $3.00 | Children under 6: Free | Residents of 15104: Free

A mannequin at Braddock's Battlefield History Center dressed in historical French military attire, including a red knitted cap, a cream-colored coat with blue cuffs, and a blue waistcoat. Next to the mannequin is an informational poster about French and Canadian Forces, detailing their involvement and tactics in the conflict associated with the center's historical focus. — Replica of a French uniform.

What You’ll See at the Museum

The museum recreates the Battle of the Monongahela using authentic documents and maps, genuine period firearms, replica uniforms from the era, and personal artifacts from the 18th century.

Exhibit at Braddock's Battlefield History Center featuring British Army artifacts. In the foreground is a well-preserved brass cannon on a grey carriage. To the left, a mannequin is dressed in a colonial-era white shirt and red sash, while another mannequin on the right wears a full British redcoat uniform. The wall behind is adorned with various framed historical prints, paintings, and explanatory texts under the header "BRITISH ARMY." — Details about the British troops that fought at the Battle of the Monongahela.

As you make your way around the main exhibit hall in clockwise fashion, the story of the battle and its aftermath plays out through storyboards and artist’s renderings.

A detailed diorama depicting the Battle of the Monongahela at Braddock's Battlefield History Center. The foreground features miniature soldiers and terrain representing the historic event, flanked by "Please Do Not Touch" signs. Behind the diorama, various paintings and information panels adorn the green walls, including a large central painting depicting a battle scene, a portrait to the left, and additional framed artworks to the right, all contributing to the exhibition's narrative. — Paintings and dioramas depicting scenes from Braddock’s Defeat.

Because the battlefield itself was not preserved, precious few actual artifacts from the battle exist.

Display case of historical artifacts from the Battle of the Monongahela at Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh. The artifacts include metal pieces of various shapes and sizes, such as buckles, nails, and tools, all showing signs of corrosion and wear. A placard at the front of the display reads "Artifacts from the Battle of the Monongahela." — Relics from the battle.

Although Braddock’s Battlefield History Center may not boast as extensive a collection of artifacts as its counterpart at Fort Ligonier, it effectively preserves and presents the story of the Battle of the Monongahela.

A close-up view of a shiny brass cannon on display at Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh, showcasing detailed engravings, including a royal crest and a fleur-de-lis. The cannon is mounted on a black carriage with red trim, hinting at its historical British military use. The backdrop features the green walls of the museum interior. — Close-up of a British artillery piece.

Nearby Historical Markers

Just a few blocks from the museum (see map above) you’ll find a historical marker near the spot where General Braddock was mortally wounded.

A historical marker titled "Braddock's Defeat" at Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh. The sign is dated July 9, 1755, and recounts General Braddock's British forces being ambushed and defeated by French and Indians within the present limits of Braddock and North Braddock. In the background, there is a statue on a pedestal and a residential area with bare trees and a cloudy sky. — This marker is placed near the spot General Braddock was mortally wounded.

A nearby statue of George Washington was dedicated at the site of Braddock’s Field in 1930, on the 175th anniversary of the Battle of the Monongahela.

Statue of Colonel George Washington standing atop a pedestal near Braddock's Battlefield History Center, with a bronze plaque commemorating his service as Aide-de-Camp to General Edward Braddock during the Battle of Braddock's Field on July 9, 1755. The statue is dedicated on July 9, 1930, and set against a cloudy sky with bare tree branches in the background. — Statue of George Washington placed at Braddock’s Field in 1930.

Serving as a colonial officer within the British Army, Washington gained insight into British military tactics and also recognized the Army’s weaknesses, knowledge which would serve him well during the subsequent American Revolution.

A close-up of a bronze historical plaque at Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh, dedicated to Colonel George Washington. The plaque, with raised lettering and a relief depicting a battle scene, commemorates Washington's service as Aide-de-Camp to General Edward Braddock at the Battle of Braddock's Field on July 9, 1755. The dedication date on the plaque is July 9, 1930. — Plaque on George Washington statue at Braddock’s Field.

Forty years after the Battle of the Monongahela, Braddock’s Field also served as a rendezvous point for Pennsylvania militiamen protesting the new American government’s tax on whiskey.

Historical marker for "Braddock's Field" detailing its significance as the site of the rendezvous of militias during the Whiskey Rebellion in August 1794, located at Braddock's Battlefield History Center near Pittsburgh. The sign, adorned with the Pennsylvania state emblem, explains that this was the largest armed resistance to the U.S. government between the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. In the background, there's a view of a gothic-style brick building with turrets, power lines, and a cloudy sky overhead. — Braddock’s Field is considered the high water mark of the Whiskey Rebellion.

The former home of Carnegie Steel President Charles Schwab is also located on the site of Braddock’s Field, across the street from the historical markers.

A photograph of the former Charles Schwab mansion, near Braddock's Battlefield History Center. The Victorian-era mansion features red brickwork, multiple gables, a prominent conical-roofed turret, and stone arches above the entrance. The building is enclosed by a wrought iron fence and is framed by bare trees, under a cloudy sky. — The former home of Carnegie Steel President Charles Schwab.

Final Thoughts

Braddock’s Battlefield History Center is more than just a museum; it is a gateway to understanding a crucial moment in American history.

A framed painting of George Washington displayed at Braddock's Battlefield History Center, with an informational placard below titled "Washington at the Monongahela." The portrait shows Washington in a military uniform from the era, featuring a red coat with blue facings and gold buttons, a white waistcoat, and black tricorn hat. The placard provides historical context about Washington's role and experiences during the Battle of the Monongahela. — George Washington was present at the Battle of the Monongahela.

The center’s beautifully illustrated exhibits ensure that the narrative and significance of the Battle of the Monongahela will be preserved and remembered for many years to come.

Inside the gift shop at Braddock's Battlefield History Center, featuring a selection of souvenirs including branded t-shirts on mannequins, books on historical subjects, pamphlets, and other memorabilia. A wooden clock hangs on the green wall above a display shelf with neatly arranged items for visitors to purchase. — Gift shop at the museum.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Fayette County preserves the site of the first battle in the French and Indian War.

Fort Necessity Battlefield sign along Route 40 in Fayette County Pennsylvania. — Fort Necessity National Battlefield sign along Route 40 in Fayette County.

On July 3, 1754, 700 French and Native American troops surrounded George Washington and his 400 troops here, forcing his surrender a year before Braddock’s Defeat on the banks of the Monongahela.

The modern-day replica of Fort Necessity at the National Battlefield in Fayette County PA — Fort Necessity in Fayette County.

Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County was the last in a series of forts built on orders from British General John Forbes in 1758, and it was from here that in November of 1758 he launched his successful campaign to capture the French Fort Duquesne, succeeding where Braddock had failed 3 years earlier.

The museum at Fort Ligonier contains one of the most complete collections of French and Indian War artifacts in existence, many excavated from the ruins of the original Fort Ligonier itself.

Weaponry on display inside Fort Ligonier museum.

The Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford County pays tribute to the original Fort Bedford, built the same year as Fort Ligonier during the same military campaign by General Forbes.

Fort Bedford Museum in downtown Bedford Pennsylvania.

Like Fort Ligonier, the Fort Bedford Museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the French and Indian War and colonial life in general.

Inside the Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford Pennsylvania. — Inside the Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

The Fort Pitt Museum, built near the ruins of Fort Duquesne, includes a significant focus on the French and Indian War.

A photo collage from the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featuring (from top left to bottom right): the museum entrance with an American flag and cannon, the interior with exhibits and a cannon on display, an informational panel about the significance of the land, and a sculpture of two historical figures in discussion. — Scenes from the Fort Pitt Museum.

Bushy Run Battlefield Park in Westmoreland County is the only historic site in PA that deals exclusively with Pontiac’s War.

Exploring Bushy Run Battlefield in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Bushy Run Battlefield Park.

Occurring after the French and Indian War and before the Revolutionary War, Pontiac’s War was an effort by a loose confederation of Native American tribes to drive English settlers out of the Great Lakes region and back across the Allegheny Mountains.

Pontiac's War was launched in 1763 by a loose confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War. — Pontiac’s War was launched in 1763 by a loose confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War.

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