Braddock Borough---

Braddock

BOROUGH OF BRADDOCK

Founded: 1795

Incorporated: 1867

Braddock is a borough located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, ten miles above the mouth of the Monongahela River. The population was 2,912 at the 2000 census. The town is named for General Edward Braddock (1695-1755). The Braddock Expedition, which included General Braddock’s infamous crossing of the Monongahela River on July 9, 1755, lead to his fatal wounding and marked a sound defeat of British troops by the French at Fort Duquesne. This was a key battle in the beginning of the French and Indian War.

Braddock was first settled around 1795, and was incorporated in 1867. The town and its industrial economy began in 1873, when Andrew Carnegie built the Edgar Thomson Steel Works on the historic site of Braddock's Field. This facility was the first steel mill using the Bessemer process in America. The Edgar Thomson Steel Works still continues operations today as a part of the United States Steel Corporation. This era of the town's history is best known from Thomas Bell’s novel Out of this Furnace. The early population figures of Braddock were: 1890, 8,561; 1900, 15,654; 1910, 19,357; 1920, 20,879; and 1940, 18,326.

In recent years, Braddock has undergone several community and economic development projects in the areas of housing, business, and creating employment opportunities. Current housing developments such as Hospital Park, Mapleview Terrace, and Braddock's Field offer beautiful apartments, new homes, and newly-renovated homes at reasonable prices. These homes are affordably equipped and near popular locations such as UPMC Braddock, the Waterfront, and are ten minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and the Oakland area.

The Monongahela River has been one of the biggest assets to the Braddock community and surrounding areas. The foot of the 11^thStreet in Braddock proves direct access to the river through the 11^th Street Braddock boat launch. The 11^th Street boat launch provides essential access and recreational amenities – such as sailing, fishing, or jet skiing – for everyone to enjoy.

WELL-KNOWN INDIVIDUALS ASSOCIATED WITH BRADDOCK

George Washington, First President of the United States and frequent visitor to the area during the French and Indian War in the 1750's

Edward Braddock, General assigned to expel the French from the Point in July 1754. Unfortunately for him, the French would not be defeated in that battle.

Andrew Carnegie, pioneering steel maker and noted philanthropist. He donated the first American Carnegie Library to Braddock in 1889.

tony buba.gif

Tony Buba, Braddock-born filmmaker who features many colorful characters from the Braddock area in his film, which have been shown worldwide.

Sean Lomax, another native son, World Champion Whistler (www.whistleon.com) and performer in Cirque du Soleil

IMAGES OF BRADDOCK

The Carnegie Library

Braddock Avenue 1955.jpg

"Main Street" 1955 - a reminder of what you could find on these streets and although these are different times, we're working to regain our economy's strength.