Draft:Braddock's Rock
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| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°53′34″N 77°3′5″W / 38.89278°N 77.05139°W |
| Type | Historical Marker |
| Dedicated date | 1964 |
Braddock's Rock is a historic landmark located in Washington, D.C., adjacent to the on-ramp for Interstate 66 by way of Constitution Avenue NW. It is traditionally believed to be the site where General Edward Braddock landed with his troops in 1755 before beginning his ill-fated march toward Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War.
History
[edit]Braddock's Rock is often referred to as the "Key of Keys"[1] due to its supposed role as the landing site for British forces, including a young George Washington, who served as Braddock’s aide-de-camp. The rock originally jutted out into the Potomac River, but was largely quarried in the 18th and 19th centuries for use in construction. Some of the quarried stone went on to help create the foundations of several buildings in the city, most notably the United States Capitol and the White House.[2]
In 1964, the D.C. Bridge Construction Division constructed a protective stone cylinder that leads down to the rock. A commemorative plaque was then installed to mark the site's historical significance.[3]
Location and access
[edit]Today, the rock is located on a median between on and off ramps for Interstate 66 via Constitution Avenue NW, directly across the street from the United States Institute of Peace. It can only be accessed via the crosswalk that connects the north and south portions of 23rd St NW, running across Constitution Avenue NW. It sits unobscured only a few feet from the road and is marked by a metal plaque mounted on a well-like structure made of stone.
Significance
[edit]While some historians debate the accuracy of the traditional account, Braddock’s Rock remains a notable part of Washington's colonial history and early American memory. It serves as a tangible connection to the city’s 18th-century military and geographic past.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Braddock's Rock Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
- ^ "Braddock's Rock". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
- ^ Kelly, John (2014-02-15). "Braddock's Rock: Launching point for a military expedition or a mere legend?". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-12.