U.S. #688
1930 2¢ Battle of Braddock’s Field

Issue Date: July 9, 1930
First City: Braddock, PA
Quantity Issued: 25,609,470
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Flat plate
Perforation: 11
Color: Carmine rose

This stamp commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Braddock’s Field.

Battle Of Braddock’s Field

While in his early 20s, George Washington joined the Virginia colonial militia. One of his assignments was to build a road through the dense forests of Maryland to Pennsylvania, to set up an encampment, find water routes into the Ohio Valley, and await reinforcements. Following a skirmish with French troops that threatened to evolve into full-scale war, Washington and his men built a log stronghold named Fort Necessity.

On July 3, 1754, the French attacked Fort Necessity, firing the opening shots of the French and Indian War. Outnumbered three to one, Washington’s men were forced to surrender. The defeat was the only surrender of his military career.