Braddock Grave State Park
Pennsylvania’s French & Indian War Burial — General Edward Braddock’s 1755 Grave, Battle of the Monongahela, National Pike, Near Fort Necessity in Fayette County
Braddock Grave State Park is a state park in Farmington, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, along the National Pike (US Route 40). The site preserves the burial place of British Major General Edward Braddock — mortally wounded at the Battle of the Monongahela on July 9, 1755, during the French and Indian War — with a granite monument (1913), interpretive signage, a ¼-mile walking trail, and proximity to Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
On July 9, 1755, British Major General Edward Braddock led a force of 1,400 British regulars and colonial militia — including a young Lieutenant Colonel George Washington — toward Fort Duquesne (modern Pittsburgh). The force was ambushed and routed at the Battle of the Monongahela by French and Native forces. Braddock was mortally wounded and died on July 13, 1755, during the retreat. To prevent his body from being desecrated, his soldiers buried him in the middle of the road and marched the entire army over the grave to obscure it. His remains were rediscovered in 1804 and reinterred on a nearby knoll, where a granite monument was erected in 1913.
Things to Do
Historic Site
- Braddock’s grave + 1913 granite monument
- ¼-mile walking trail
- Interpretive signage
- Battle of the Monongahela history
Nearby
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield (~1 mi)
- National Pike (US 40)
- Laurel Highlands scenic region
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 3258 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 |
| County | Fayette County — Laurel Highlands |
| Person | Major General Edward Braddock (died July 13, 1755) |
| Battle | Battle of the Monongahela, July 9, 1755 |
| War | French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War) |
| Connection | Lt. Col. George Washington served under Braddock |
| Monument | Granite — erected 1913 |
| Trail | ¼ mile — ADA paved path option |
| Season | Year-round (no winter maintenance) |
| Admission | FREE |
| Nearby | Fort Necessity National Battlefield (~1 mi) |
| Coordinates | 39.8337° N, 79.5995° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Full access; Fort Necessity events; Laurel Highlands hiking; combine sites | Popular; warm |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Laurel Highlands foliage; dramatic light; quiet; historic atmosphere | Cooler; shorter days |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding; green-up; quiet | Muddy; cool; some facilities closed |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snow-covered monument; solitude; open year-round | No winter maintenance; cold; icy paths |
Visitor Tips
- Buried in the road: Braddock’s soldiers buried him in the middle of the road and marched the entire army over the grave to prevent enemies from finding it.
- Washington connection: A young George Washington served as Braddock’s aide-de-camp at the Battle of the Monongahela — his first major military engagement.
- Combine visits: Fort Necessity National Battlefield is just ~1 mile away — visit both for a complete French and Indian War experience.
- Laurel Highlands: The site is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region — combine with Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and scenic driving on the National Pike.
- Quick stop: The ¼-mile trail makes this a 15–20 minute visit — perfect roadside history break on US Route 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is General Braddock buried in Pennsylvania?
General Edward Braddock is buried at Braddock Grave State Park near Farmington, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, along the National Pike (US Route 40). Braddock was mortally wounded at the Battle of the Monongahela on July 9, 1755, and died July 13 during the French and Indian War. His soldiers buried him in the road to prevent desecration. The grave was rediscovered in 1804 and a granite monument erected in 1913. George Washington served under Braddock. Fort Necessity National Battlefield is about 1 mile away. Free admission.
Last updated: May 2026











