The Braddock Expedition was an early attempt to secure the Ohio territory and the western frontier in British hands. This expedition shaped American history in a few ways, though not the way it intended to. While the expedition was a disaster, a few men stood out enough from the failure to become more prominent in the history of our country. It also prevented Western Pennsylvania from becoming Northwest Virginia, and gave its name to a few of the local Pittsburgh roads and places.
The Braddock Expedition
The expedition was chosen to capture the Ohio River from the French by capturing Fort Duquesne. The Seven Years’ War was waging, and the British and French had been sparring on every front, including the American frontier. With Native Americans on both sides, and dramatically different structures, the Seven Years’ War would shape the colonies and provide the experience and leadership for the American Revolution.
Rather than choosing a more direct route from within the Pennsylvania colony, Braddock chose to go north from Virginia. Starting in what is today’s Cumberland, MD, he carved a path north. Carving is accurate, since there were no roads at the time. Instead of trekking through the wilderness (a feat that would be impossible with laden pack animals and siege weapons), he decided to carve a road.
Roadmaking is tedious, laborious work, and the army’s progress was slow. To speed the progress up, he created a divided strategy. One part of the army would be the “flying column”, carving quickly toward the destination. Lagging behind would be the support column.
Braddock’s Crossing Disaster
on July 9, 1755, Braddock was only about 10 miles from Fort Duquesne when disaster struck. The French knew of his approach, and were planning an ambush. Running a bit late, they accidentally stumbled upon the advance guard of Braddock’s force. The Indians on the French side devastated the advance guard, and the rear guard rushed forward to assist. Instead of assisting through, the two armies met in chaos, and officers were easily cut down because they stood in the open on horseback, while French and Indian fighters were in the cover of the woods on either side of the road.
The result was a massacre. Though traveling with a superior force, they could not rally within the confines of the road and the battle was lost. Braddock himself was mortally wounded, and was buried beneath the road itself after the retreat was underway.
On the other hand, the resulting retreat showcased a relative unknown at the time. George Washington, our future President, was successful in rallying the troops in the rear of the army, allowing for an eventual guarded retreat. Then a minor colonel, he formed the rear guard and earned some fame as the Hero of the Monongahela.
Braddock Today
Braddock today is still remembered in the area. Today’s Braddock Road leads into Pittsburgh from the East End, leading south into the area in which he fought and died. In fact, it leads into the town of Braddock, and he is the namesake of all the associated Braddock towns around Southwestern PA.
Had he been successful, it is likely that Forbes would never had brought an expedition to the area from the Pennsylvania Colony. As a result, the area would have become part of Virginia in all likelihood, and probably would be considered part of West Virginia today.
Sources:
ExplorePAHistory: Braddock’s Crossing
ExplorePAHistory: Braddock’s Defeat