FALL BATTLE RIDE

Braddock's Road

"The Campaign Against Fort Duquesne"

October 4 – October 6, 2024

Registration is now closed!

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.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Friday October 4th
7:00 a.m. – Bus leaves National Army Museum.
11:45 a.m. – Arrival in Cumberland, Maryland for stops and lunch (lunch included in tour cost).
1:15 p.m. – Bus leaves Cumberland, Maryland.
2:15 p.m. – Arrival at Fort Necessity for stops including Braddock’s Grave and Jumonville Glen.
6:45 p.m. – Arrival in Pittsburgh for hotel stay (hotel included in tour cost).
 
Day 2 – Saturday October 5th
9:00 a.m. – Group leaves Wyndham Hotel (on foot).
9:15 a.m. – Arrival at Point State Park and Fort Pitt Museum.
11:15 a.m. – Bus leaves Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
12:45 a.m. – Arrival at Braddock Battlefield History Center and lunch (lunch included in tour cost)
2:00 p.m. – Bus leaves Braddock, Pennsylvania.
2:45 p.m. – Arrival at Fort Ligonier for visit and catered dinner (dinner included in tour cost).
6:00 p.m. – Bus leaves Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
8:00 p.m. – Arrival in Hagerstown, Maryland for hotel stay (hotel included in tour cost). 
 
Day 3 – Sunday October 6th
8:00 a.m. – Bus leaves hotel in Hagerstown, Maryland.
10:00 a.m. – Arrival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon (tour and meals included in tour cost).
10:00 a.m. – Guided tour of estate with Mount Vernon staff.
11:00 a.m. – Closing lecture and remarks with Dr. David Preston.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch in reception hall (lunch included in tour cost).
1:30 p.m. – Bus leaves Mount Vernon.
2:00 p.m. – Bus returns to National Museum of the United States Army
 
Please note that stops and times are subject to change. Participants will be notified of changes as soon as possible prior to the program.

PRICING

Single Occupancy – $1,600 per person
 
Dual Occupancy – $1,450 per person
Please note that dual occupancy is for two individuals sharing a single hotel room and single bed. 
 
Refund Schedule:
100% Refund if cancelled by end of day June 28th. 
75% Refund if cancelled between June 29th and July 31st. 
50% Refund if cancelled between August 1st and September 3rd. 
If a cancellation is requested on or after September 4th, there is 0% refund offered, but you may request payment be moved to a future program to be redeemed by end of October 2026.