In April 1755, Frederick Town served as a planning center for a major French and Indian War campaign. General Edward Braddock arrived from England, and later 1,400 British troops joined him to stop the French from taking land claimed by Britain. During twelve days in Frederick, Braddock met with Maryland Proprietary Governor Horatio Sharpe, Benjamin Franklin, and Colonel George Washington, who then joined Braddock's command. In May 1755, the campaign moved west along present-day Old Braddock Road (US 40 Alt.) toward Fort Duquesne in an attempt to drive out the French and their Indian allies. This part of Braddock's route is part of The National Old Trails Road.