On July 9, 1755, British regulars and American colonial troops under the command of General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in North America, were attacked by French and American Indian forces shortly after crossing the Monongahela River, a few miles from what is now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The long line of red-coated troops struggled to maintain cohesion and discipline as American Indian warriors quickly outflanked them and used the dense cover of the woods to masterful and lethal effect. Within hours, a powerful British army was routed, its commander mortally wounded, and the British army suffered high casualties in one the worst disasters in military history.

This Fall, The Army Historical Foundation will host Dr. David Preston on a French and Indian War Battle Ride that will take participants from Alexandria, Virginia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and back following Braddock’s route, campsites, and battlefields.

In addition to learning about Braddock, participants will receive an overview of the French and Indian War (which was considered to be the first world war), George Washington’s early military career, the lasting effects from Braddock’s defeat, and how the French and Indian War led to the American Revolution.

This Battle Ride will serve as a launching point for the Foundation’s programming for the 250th anniversary of the United States Army beginning in Spring 2025.

Battle Ride stops will include Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Fort Pitt Museum, Braddock Battlefield History Center, Fort Ligonier, George Washington’s Mount Vernon and a few sites that still bear remnants of Braddock’s campaign.

In addition to an in-depth look at Braddock, the experience will end at George Washington’s home where participants will enjoy an estate tour, catered lunch, and listen to a final lecture from Dr. David Preston that will preview information from his upcoming book about George Washington.