Braddock's Rock – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Braddock's Rock

Washington, D.C.

The "Key of Keys" for Washington, D.C. and the apocryphal landing place for the military campaign that started George Washington's career is now at the bottom of a well. 

View all photos
Braddock's Rock and plaque. PatTheGreat (Atlas Obscura User)
Braddock's Rock and plaque. PatTheGreat (Atlas Obscura User)
Braddock Rock before it was covered Library of Congress
With the Institute of Peace as a backdrop. Anna Minster (Atlas Obscura User)
26
69
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
Plexus A 1, by Gabrielle Dawe
Renwick Gallery
Washington, D.C.
Capitol Air Conditioning Towers
Washington, D.C.
Congressional Garbage Tunnel
Washington, D.C.
 See All

Across an on-ramp from the U.S. Institute of Peace stands what looks like an oddly-placed well. Read the nearby plaque, however, and you’ll discover you are standing 16 feet above history.

Braddock’s Rock derives its name from General Edward Braddock, who supposedly used it as a landing spot on April 14, 1755, for a British Expeditionary Force sent to fight in the French and Indian War. It is probably not true that General Braddock landed on the rock—it wouldn’t have made much sense to land in this spot. The mission also had an ignominious end when it was ambushed near Fort Duquesne, in what is now Pittsburgh. However, the campaign launched the military career of future U.S. president George Washington, who was serving as an aide-de-camp to General Braddock.

The next major role for Braddock’s Rock was as the “Key of Keys” for the survey of Washington, D.C. As a prominent fixed landmark, it served usefully as a reference point for surveyors laying out the future capital.

The subsequent success of the city led to the demise of Braddock’s Rock, as it was blasted apart for building material (including the foundations of the Capitol and the White House) and then eventually to make way for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It came to be in its present state in 1964, when it was covered by the construction of the on-ramp but protected by the well-like structure that now caps it.

Know Before You Go

Braddock's Rock is by the side of the onramp to I-66 from Constitution Ave NW and next to the US Institute for Peace.

geographic markers plaques rocks history
Nearby
State Department Protocol Gift Office
0.16 miles
Albert Einstein Bronze Statue
0.16 miles
National Academy of Sciences
0.20 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Secretary Kerry Thanks Pope Francis for Presenting Him with a Gift
Washington, D.C.

State Department Protocol Gift Office

They sort through millions of dollars worth of diplomatic gifts on behalf of the government.
Washington, D.C.

Albert Einstein Bronze Statue

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.
The Great Hall at the National Academy of Sciences.
Washington, D.C.

National Academy of Sciences

For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.
The Watergate Steps.
Washington, D.C.

Watergate Steps

Decades before the scandal, this staircase on the river was a literal "water gate."
Related Places
Forres, Scotland

Forres Witches Stone

A reminder of the gruesome punishments delivered to those who were found guilty during Scotland's witchcraft trials.
Norway

Kinnarodden (Cape Nordkinn)

Remote and wild, Kinnarodden is the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Geographical Center of the Entire United States

Despite monuments in other locations, this spot in a South Dakota field is recognized by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey as the center of the 50 states.
Atlanta, Georgia

Owl Rock

This Native American petroglyph marks the location of an important, Creek trail.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web