FOR THE VISITOR TO
THE
U.S.A.
INTERESTED IN
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Because of the naturally
sheer mass of American Revolution sites in the U.S.A. it is not intended or
possible to list them all. For the time being we will try to list Main sites,
those of particular historic importance or associated with the 35th regiment of
Foot.
Once Again we cannot stress too much, AMERICA IS HUGE and some of the
sites listed are hundreds if not some thousand miles apart.
If planning a historic tour of the
U.S.A. get a good map beforehand and decide just what you want to, and can,
practically, see.
BOSTON
Mention the American
Revolution/American War of Independence to any History buff (and Most Americans)
and somewhere in the conversation BOSTON is bound to be mentioned. For
Myself I do not apologize at all, for saying without hesitation BOSTON
is, for many reasons, (friendliness being
probably the biggest!!) my all time favourite
U.S. city. As a result I'm only too happy to put it at the very top of this
list.
With such a wealth of history both within the City's environs and in the
surrounding country it is difficult to know just where to start, however there
is one tourist feature the City and its fathers should rightly be proud of
(And one a good many cities ought to emulate) and that is the
FREEDOM
TRAIL so I will start with this.

THE
STATE
HOUSE
THE SHAW MEMORIAL

Further along the trail is the
Granary Burying Ground (Final resting place of Giants of American history such
as Samuel Adams, Peter Faneuil, Paul Revere and John Hancock.), Kings Chapel and
its burying ground (resting place of William Dawes junior --fellow rider with
Paul Revere, plus a number of the Mayflowers passengers).
Other sites include the
Old South meeting house (forever associated with the "Boston Massacre" and as
well as the meetings leading to the Boston Tea Party),The old State House,
Faneuil Hall, known for good reason as the "Cradle of Liberty",and then Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church
(associated with Paul Reveres attempts to warn the rebels of the British march
on Lexington and Concord).
COPP'S Hill (from which British cannon fired on
Charlestown during "Bunker Hill")is easily ascended and crossing the CHARLES
RIVER the trail comes to a fitting end at the "Bunker Hill" Monument. In the
vicinity of this Monument are two additional places worth visiting, first, just
down the hill towards the harbour is, The Bunker Hill pavilion with its
entertaining version of the battle. Just a short walk, about two hundred yards
is an honoured relic of the war of 1812 THE U.S.S. CONSTITUTION
which is the oldest Floating commissioned warship in the
world
(H.M.S. Victory in Portsmouth England is
some 60 years older BUT NOT
AFLOAT).The area also has an associated
museum with numerous hands on, child grabbing exhibits

Statue of
William Prescott at the Bunker Hill Memorial.
Below another famous adversary of the British this time the War of
1812
U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) 
TIPS.
If you intend to use Boston as
Stop/Start of your trip and intend to hire a car for your holiday, the best tip
I can make is, don't get your car until the day you intend to leave
Boston for the surrounding countryside. With the best will in the world
driving within Boston is akin to maniacal ( I met one U.K. couple, from London
who returned their car because they could not cope with it)-besides who wants to
drive expensive hire cars when public transport is both excellent and
cheap?.
On the freedom
trail. If a visitor intends to walk the trail, bearing in mind its a
couple--three miles long, depending upon detours. The best piece of advice
therefore must be to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes. There are
FREE 90 minute guided
walking tours available (10.00-15.00hrs) April until September. These start at
The National Park Service Centre in State Street (A really friendly lot) or by
phone on (617) 242-5642. This is a good introduction to the trail allowing the
keen, to retrace their steps, if interest prevails, later. I walked the trail
several times (and still probably missed a few things).Other walking tours are
available i.e. Boston By Foot . On the
hunger stakes, the length of the trail is dotted with coffee houses (few, if any
tea shops!!!--I wonder why?) and really good eating establishments. If the
wallet has to be watched and/or you just want quick, good wholesome food with no
frills, then time your mid day stop for Quincy Market area (behind Faneuil
Hall). Try the local speciality Clam chowder in a bun, I almost lived off the
stuff plus a good few lobsters while travelling the trail.
If walking is not
your scene, then, the route is amply served by numerous transport systems
the underground is safe with terminals within easy walking distance of both ends
of the trail. There are also stations at several locations along the trails
route.
Sightseeing Again the city is amply served by numerous companies serving the
tourist market, alas I did not use any (I was too busy walking) however one did
stand out and that is the amphibious tours using Dukw's "a la" World War 11
(though not of that vintage). These vehicles trundle about all the important
sites while having the addition of a short river journey and probably unique
view of this lovely though bustling City. Also of note are Trolley Tours, Historic Tours and Discover
Boston.
MUST SEE There is one attraction connected with the American
Revolution which I cannot praise highly enough. It is housed, at first thought,
oddly, within one of Boston's ultra modern and tallest of buildings THE JOHN
HANCOCK OBSERVATORY. The Road to Independence. This
unique display is an exciting light and sound show featuring music, narration
and a miniature colonial Boston, that traces the history of events that led up
to the revolution of 1775.
The show
follows the development of Boston itself, the mini campaign of Lexington and
Concord and the battle of "Bunker Hill". This is all done with a flourish of the
American gift of presentation and links those past times with the present in
such a way that dismisses the idea that such a display should be elsewhere.
(I've seen only one similar display to this--Stirling Bridge Scotland. Other
sites, Hastings, Waterloo, Quebec, to name but three could do well to see this
exhibit to see just what could be done.) The bonus is that the view from the top
floor (where the exhibit is housed), is to say the least, stunning, whilst again
it links the miniature Boston you may have just seen, with what you see before
your eyes.
LEXINGTON & CONCORD
Within easy reach of Boston are two of the equally important sites
of The American Revolution Lexington and Concord together with "The minute man national
Park" they form part of what is known as "The Battle Road". It was
during this mini campaign fought during April 19th 1775 that the first shots of
the war were fired ("The Shot heard around the World").
Independent travel is possibly best for those who have a keen interest
in the period as this allows maximum time at the two main centres (plus allowing
a detailed look at particular sites along the road itself) but this might
necessitate an overnight stay.The other alternative is hoping onto one of the
numerous coach trips to these famous spots, the down side however being the
limited duration of the stay AND the distinct possibility, given Boston's large
Irish community of being subjected to a Political/21st Century slanted view of
events 200 plus years ago.
These drawbacks aside the
short trip is well worth the effort (especially during the fall---(Autumn to us
in the U.K.) Although neither site has the high tech of The Hancock Observatory
(alas money rules all in the U.S.) both manage to convey the events of that
fateful day. (A handy copy of Osprey's- Boston 1775, Concord Chamber of Commerce
Battle Road or Battlefield Atlas of the American Revolution by William
J.Clipson, will help, no end!!.)
Lexington green minuteman statue 
The Minute man stone
below marks the line where American defenders first drew up to oppose the
British 
The story of the Concord fight is told on a number of
plates
such as that below 
Concord's North Bridge (the fifth replacement since
1775)
Also note that on the fateful day there was
little undergrowth let alone trees 
"Somewhere in the Corner of a foreign
field"
The graves of
British Soldiers killed during the fight for the Bridge 
The
Inscription reads
THEY CAME THREE THOUSAND
MILES AND DIED,
TO KEEP THE PAST UPON ITS
THRONE,
UNHEARD BEYOND THE OCEAN TIDE,
THEIR ENGLISH MOTHER MADE HER MOAN
APRIL 19.
1775
"Everyone's favourite airline" including mine, British Airways,
FROM LONDON GATWICK
Virgin Atlantic, Northwest Airlines and Continental Airlines
Where to stay/general info
One of the best sites to visit is BOSTON 123 -Boston Hotels and Tourism guide
to Boston or VISIT BOSTON. Though
given Americans reputation for hospitality I cannot think of a better
introduction to America, let alone Boston, than staying in one of the many
superb bed and breakfast establishments, these can be contacted on a number of
sites amongst which are---HOST HOMES
OF BOSTON, GREATER BOSTON
HOSPITALITY , Bed &
Breakfast Inns ONLINE.
I plumped for Host homes and was more than happy, I stayed with
a
Mr and Mrs Artin, in Newton Highland. Mrs Artin's
breakfast table was a sight to be seen and I for one take the much belated
opportunity in thanking them both for their fantastic introduction to America in
1998.
Interstate travel
Coach
travel seems to be the main mass interstate transport means, and it is well
catered for if travelling from Boston. The coach station is far better in ALL
aspects than many airports. The two main companies running from the terminus are
Greyhound and Robin Hood (there are probably others) the last, I found
particularly helpful/agreeable.
LASTLY IF YOU FIND SOMETHING YOU WILL THINK MAY HELP OTHERS IN DISCOVERING BOSTON AND ITS SURROUNDS LET US KNOW----THIS PAGE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP.
RAYNHAM HALL
MUSEUM (Long Island, New York)
Telephone (516) 922 6808. Open Tues-Sun 1300hrs-1700hrs
Served as British H.Q. During the Revolutionary War. It is associated
with JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE (Of QUEENS RANGERS FAME) It is here a
conversation between Major Andre and Lt. Colonel Simcoe was overheard by a
Townsend daughter.The conversation consisted of detailed information about
a treasonous plot with American General Benedict Arnold. General Arnold was to
surrender his troops at West Point to Major Andre.
It
also has less sinister links, in particular America's first documented Valentine
Lt. Col Simcoe apparently asked Sally Townsend to "Choose me for your Valentine"
and wrote to her as such. See full version of his
Valentine
SARATOGA
A visit to this
site being ideal if also visiting Forts Edward,George, and Ticonderoga etc.
Saratoga is one of what I call the "big three" of the American Revolution (the
other two being Boston and Yorktown). As it happens others must think so,
therefore it is no accident they are amply covered by Osprey publishing in their
Campaign series of books. Such is the case with Burgoyne's ill fated expedition,
and I cannot recommend a better and more handy guide to the battlefields.

Fort Ticonderoga/ Fort Carillon
FORT TICONDEROGA
Supplied by our friend
Christopher D.
Fox
Curator, Fort Ticonderoga 
The much contested fortress (During both the
French and Indian War and the American Revolution) was built in 1755 by the
French and named Fort Carillon. It was subsequently captured and renamed Fort
Ticonderoga in 1759 by the British. The Fortress stands at the southern tip of
Lake Champlain guarding over the old North/South river/lake trading and/or
invasion route.Its influence on history alone makes it unique and worthy of a
visit however the museum also exhibits an unparalleled collection of 18th
century military arms, accoutrements and articles of the private soldier.
So on two fronts the enthusiast is in for a treat.
The open season runs from early May to late
October and it is open seven days a week 09.00 to 17.00 which extends till 18.00
during July and August Official
Website
Utica, New York (20 Miles
North of Utica)
Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von
SteubenHistoric Site
In the early 1930's
New York State purchased land surrounding the monument and developed the
historic site erecting a replica of the Baron's log cabin and providing picnic
tables and brasiers for visitors to the site.
Programs
are developed and scheduled by the Friends of Baron Steuben and are held at the
site from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Valley Forge (Pennsylvania)
The
endurance of the fledgling America army at Valley Forge (and nearby Morris
town) during the winter of 1777-8, is by its self a great epic of American
History, it also marks a turning point in the fortunes of American arms.
Needless to say it draws a good few visitors who are as usual well catered for
by the National Parks Service. The official web site is particularly
good and is continually added to/amended
MOUNT VERNON VA

The battlefield/siege lines, town plus Jamestown (The first English settlement in the New World) and Colonial Williamsburg all fall under the broad heading of
Though NOT within easy reach of my favourite U.S. city
(Boston), (Washington probably being the best arrival point) as an historic site
with almost complete battlefield, for the enthusiast, it is a site not to be
missed.
It has a very well equiped and manned (once
again a very friendly lot) visitor centre. For those wanting to know a little
more of the history behind this site AND the events up till the treaty of Paris
September 1783 click----
Other Sites and Battlefields
As I have yet to visit many of the following battlefields, all/we can do
for the present is supply links to relevant historic parks, web sites etc. As
I/we have not visited these places yet we cannot verify their value to the
visitor, should you therefore visit, then, we would appreciate any information
you might gain.
Brandywine (Pennsylvania)
Brooklynn--Little of the battlefield
remains---covered as it is by the sprawl of modern Brooklynn however the visitor
can find a few remnants of that battle--The Old Stone
House--(A authentic reconstruction of the house where Mordechai Grist lead
some 400 Marylanders in a desperate movement to cover the retreating American
troops after the defeat of the main revolutionary force on Long Island) and
Battle Pass incorporated into modern day Prospect Park.For brief description
of battle. Better still obtain----------
------John J Gallagher's superb THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYNN
1776
Camden
Cowpens (South Carolina)
Eutaw Springs
Fort Washington (not a great deal to be seen but of interest to the 35th Foot)
Guildford Court House (North Carolina)
MonmouthThe largest battle of the Revolution
Oriskany --possibly the bloodiest battle of the American revolution
Trenton (New Jersey) See also the Old Barracks
TOMBS AND
MONUMENTS
OF
PERSONALITIES
Horatio Gates American Revolutionary General /
Hero of the Battle of Saratoga.Specific location of grave is unknown.
He rests somewhere within
Trinity Churchyard
74 Trinity Place
Manhattan, New York,
USA 10006
212-602-0800
Nathanael
Greene born. 1742. died. 1786. Revolutionary War General (second in command
to General George Washington). As acting commander of the Continental Army, he
quashed Benedict Arnold's 1780 plot to surrender West Point to the British. He
Rests
Johnson Square,
Savannah,
Georgia,
USA
John Paul Jones
Such is the unique contribution that John Paul Jones made to
his adopted country's fight for freedom, plus a unique story in life AND death,
we are only to happy give more time and space to this remarkable man.


Charles Lee born.
1731. died. 1782.Revolutionary War General, remembered for the blistering
verbal attack on him by George Washington during the battle of Monmouth.
Churchyard of Christ Church,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania,
USA
Harry Lee born
January 29, 1756. d. March 25, 1818.
(No relation to
Charles Lee)
Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee .Renowned
Revolutionary War Cavalry Commander. His most notable exploit was the capture
of Paulus Hook, New Jersey, where he and his command captured 400 British
soldiers with the loss of only one man. Lee idolised his commander, Washington,
and became one of his most trusted lieutenants, while his superb
horsemanship soon earned him the nickname "Light Horse Harry." Upon the death of
President George Washington, Harry Lee was asked by Congress to deliver a
tribute to his beloved general, describing him, for posterity thus-
"First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.. second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life".
Later he put his memoirs down on paper
(partly to repay mounting debts--alas he was no farmer). Ironically his last
years were marred by much pain bought on by injuries, he received when he was
beaten by a mob after being involved in the publicising of articles criticising
the then U.S. Government and its War With Britain (1812). Seeking relief in the
warm climate of the West Indies, his health continued to decline, he attempted
to return home, but he died on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in the home of the
daughter of his former commander, Nathanael Greene.
A Brave man by any standards, a loyal follower of
George Washington
HE RESTS NEXT TO HIS EVEN MORE
ILLUSTRIOUS AND MUCH LOVED LEGENDARY SON ROBERT E. LEE.
Both rest in the Lee family crypt/museum, Lexington, Virginia
Benjamin
Lincoln, b. January 24, 1733. d. May 9, 1810.
Revolutionary War Continental Army Major General. Served with
distinction in the Northern battles of Bennington and Saratoga. Made commander
of the Charleston, South Carolina defenses in 1788, he allowed the British to
box him in the city, which he surrendered after the siege (1780). Exchanged, he
joined Washington's army in time to participate in Cornwallis' defeat at
Yorktown. As Washington's second in command, he accepted the British surrender
from Cornwallis' second in Command, Brig. Gen. Charles O'Hara (Cornwallis was
ill and did not personally surrender). He served as Secretary of War of the
Continental Congress from 1781-1783. A myth arose that Washington spurned
O'Hara's surrender sword, and directed it to General Lincoln because Cornwallis
forced Lincoln to surrender Charleston. The truth is the military protocol of
the time directed officers of equal rank to deal with one another. Since
Washington was higher in rank to O'Hara, protocol dictated the General Lincoln
accept the surrender. He rests--
Old Ship Church Cemetery,
Hingham,
Massachusetts,
USA.
Thomas
Paine Born January 29th 1737 died June 8th 1802.
"Arguably the most important and influential political propagandist ever
to have written in the English language". Much of his doctrines can be seen
behind such World organsations as THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTERS.
Born in thetford, Norfolk England, to a Quaker father (A
staymaker by tradeand "Freeman of the borough of Thetford" and therefore
of some consequence) and Anglican mother, the fortunate young man was educated
at the local Grammar School.
His early life after
school was spent at first as aprentice to his father however he was never
satisfied with his lot and soon turned to wanderings and a number of temporary
positions which included teacher, as a privateer, and oddly staymaker. He lived
for a while in London where he regularly
attended
astronomy and science lesson the subjects of which influenced his writings in
later life. A new life found him training as an Excise man and worked in
Grantham Lincs however after a sacking then reinstatement he moved South to the
County Town of Lewes in Sussex.
It was in Lewes that he
first took an active part in politics both in parish matters and debating group
which he joined. Alas a second marriage ended in disaster while his business met
a similar fate, to top it all he was again sacked by the Excise board.
Thanks to his Political leanings he had become friends with
Benjamin Franklin. this great statesman furnished the disilusioned 37 year old
with letters of introduction and Thomas Paine headed for the New World
By 1759 he had settled down in Sandwich Kent, as a staymaker,
and it was here he married only to see his love die in childbirth the following
year.
Arguably one of those intellectual giants whose
writings influence us to this day. During his life he took an active part in
both The American and French Revolutions and personally new most of the
important people involved in those events. He produced many books, (the two most
famous being The Rights of Man and The Age of Reason) and pamphlets advocating
political, social and religious reform. His articles also championed the rights
and dignity of the ordinary man. Throughout his life time he was the embodiment
of pepublican democracy and freethought.
By 1774
Thomas Paine had become a jounalist, and eventual editor of a new Pennslvanian
Magazine. Now, a steady stream of political pamphlets came from his direction
including one of the most influentual of those calling for American
Independence--"COMMON SENSE".
When War broke out he saw
some active service but his greatest weapon was his pen, which he now wielded to
great effect. During the lfe of the early republic Paine held a number of
prominent posts but eventually became critical of some aspects of the New
Republic.
By 1787 Paine was back in Europe where he
published THE RIGHTS OF MAN. But this led to being charged with having written
seditiuos libel, prudently Paine fled to France, never to return. Arriving in
France he was greeted as something of a hero and eventually elected by the
people of the Pas de Calais, as their member of the National Assembly. In
England meanwhile, he was tried and found guilt in his absence making any return
impossible.
In France for calling for the TRIAL, but
NOT the execution, of LOUIS XVI, PAINE fell foul of ROBESPIERE.
For this he spent several mounths in Luxembourg prison and only narrowly missed
being guillotined.
Arround this time his The Age of
Reason was published. This contained a viscious attack on recognised religion
creating for its author a great many enemies.
With the
rise of a new tyrant, Napoleon, Paine became dissilusioned with French politics
and returned to America. Here at the age of 72 Thomas Paine died on the 8th of
June 1808. He was buried on his farm at New Rochelle.
Sadly even in death he was doomed to see little rest for in 1819 William
Corbett had Paines remains dug up with the intention of returning them to
England for use in stimulating interest in the great man, alas Corbett died and
Paines remains were lost ---the man who uttered the words ----
Israel Putnam
born. January 7, 1718. died. May 29, 1790.
This renowned general helped organize the defense of Bunker
Hill. He was also involved in the battles around New York in 1776. Veteran of
the 1754-63 French and Indian wars, an explorer in 1766-67 of the Mississippi
River; member of Conneticut general assembly. He rests beneath a few
particularly poignant lines at
Putnam Monument,
Brooklyn,
Connecticut,
USA
John Stark
Defender of "Bunker Hill" and victor of "Bennington". A brave and
stubborn fighter which seemed to have followed him throughout his life as he was
the last survivor of the great leaders of the American Revolution.
he rests in
John Stark State Park,
Manchester,
New Hampshire,
USA
Friedrich Wilhelm Von
Steuben
Born 17th September 1730
died, 28th of November, 1794,
A much, overlooked hero of the American Revolution, General Steuben should possibly be considered the “Father of the American Military.” His training methods and sheer ability without doubt substantially contributed to American freedom.

He entered the Prussian army in 1746 as lance-corporal. As a second lieutenant, in May of 1757, he was wounded at the second battle of Prague. After he recovered from this minor injury he was able to participate in the Battle of Rossbach in November of 1757. By 1761 Major Friederich von Steuben was a general staff officer and aide-de-camp to Frederick the Great, during The Seven Years War (French and Indian War).
After the demobilisation of 1763, he secured the post of Grand Marshall in the court of the Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen. In 1769 he was awarded the Order of Fidelity, an honorary knighthood, by the Margrave of Baden. French War Minister, Count de St. Germain, introduced him to American ambassador, Benjamin Franklin, who arranged his passage to the United States. Steuben arrived on the at Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 1st of December, 1777. A few days later Von Steuben sent a short note to the Continental Congress at York, Pennsylvania and, to General Washington, offering his services. His letter, which is looked upon as something of a classic, may not be his own words, as "The Baron" spoke no English.
"Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged in the noble enterprise of defending its rights and liberties, was the motive that brought me to this continent. I ask neither riches nor titles. I am come here from the remotest end of Germany, at my own expense, and have given up an honorable and lucrative rank. I have made no conditions with your deputies in France, nor shall I make with you. My only ambition is to serve you as a volunteer, to deserve the confidence of your general in chief, and to follow him in all his operations, as I have done during seven campaigns with the King of Prussia. Two and twenty years spent in such a school seem to give me a right of thinking myself among the number of experienced officers; and if I am possessed of the acquire-ments of the art of war, they will be much more prized by me if I can employ them in the service of a republic such as I hope soon to see in America. I should willingly purchase, at the expense of my blood, the honor of having my name enrolled among those of the defenders of your liberty. Your gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I ask no other favor than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope that you will grant this, my request, and you will be so good as to send me your orders to Boston, where I shall await them, and take suitable measures in accordance".
His offer of service was accepted, and he reported to Gen. George Washington at Valley Forge, Pa., on 23rd of February. When he arrived at Valley Forge he was appalled by the condition of the army, his own words speak for themselves --"It would be an endless task to enumerate the abuses which nearly ruined the army."
There seemed to be little accountability for supplies, officers could not even sure of the number of men under their command. Equipment of all kinds was lacking, with soldiers without clothing or even muskets, worse still there was a complete lack of discipline. Troops were even in the habit of coming and going as they pleased, those who living nearby walking away and return to their homes to attend to their farm chores . On the operational level, although they were good individual fighters, the American infantry's ignorance of the elementary principles of drill or manoeuvring often put them at a fatal disadvantage against their well-trained British/ Hanoverian opponents
Steuben immediately took control of this military chaos and set out to change it. Personally becoming a drill sergeant, he started teaching marching, marksmanship and battle tactics. He introduced group training, hand picking 100 men, training them and sending them out to train others. He put into practice camp sanitary methods and established common latrines, away from the tented areas, while tents themselves were erected in lines in a proper military fashion. Soon the camp began to have a ordered disciplined appearance which in turn no doubt effected the self esteem of Washington's troops.
All of this organisation, including the necessary orders, was handicapped by Von Steubens lack of English. However Nathaniel Greene and Alexander Hamilton were great admirers of Steuben's efforts and it was these two men who actually passed on his orders.
Impressed no doubt by the change beginning to come over his army, Washington recommended, to Congress, on 30th of April, 1778, that Von Steuben should be appointed Inspector General of the Army. Congress complied and in May 1778. Not all of Washington's Generals had the same degree of respect for what Steuben was accomplishing. Generals LaFayette, Lee and Mifflin felt that they were being interfered with in the training of troops under their command (This may even have been tinged with a little jealousy?), nevertheless, Steuben continued with his valuable task.
During this time Steuben wrote his training manual known as 'The Blue Book', more formally known as, "Regulations For The Order And Discipline Of The Troops". The book included detailed instructions for the discipline and conduct of officers and enlisted men, as well as organisation of units, and all related issues. Washington approved the book and printing commenced of three thousand copies ordered by Congress.
In the spring 1780 Von Steuben was in Virginia where he assisted LaFayette with Virginia Continental troops. Commanding a division during the enveloping of Yorktown where his skill and experience in siege warfare became invaluable and may often have been deferred to. After the war ended he and Washington devised a plan for the defence of the Colonies. The army was being demobilised in 1783 and Von Steuben was discharged in 1784 and was granted American citizenship by a special act of the Pennsylvania Legislature.
He moved to New York City living at several locations. Considered somewhat of a hero and something of a ladies man he seems to have been a witty and amusing dinner guest so invitations came in profusion from the prominent society families of the area. He was also generous, to a fault, (Which may have been a failing since his finances seemed to have suffered) and was connected with an Organization that provided food and shelter for the poor of German extraction. In 1790 the Baron received a pension from the then government, enabling him to move to a plot of land in Oneida County.
On the 28th of November , 1794, the Baron unexpectedly passed away. His body was wrapped in his military cloak and on Saturday, 29th of November the General was laid to rest beneath a tree on his estate. (Von Steuben was childless, having never married, it was rumoured that he came to America in 1777 because of a broken European romance ?).
His Friend and admirer Charles Green's words on this Gallant
Prussian Officer were--
"To fully relate the accomplishments and achievements of
General Von Steuben would take more space than is available in this
publication. We sometimes forget the contributions of these patriots, to the
freedom we enjoy today, and this brief article serves as a reminder to those who
served".
During the early 19th century it was determined that a new road was to be built across the Von Steuben estate. The surveyors laid out the road in such a manner that it would cross over the burial site. During the grading, the coffin was uncovered and neighbours opened it to obtain pieces of the General's military cloak. Steuben's friend, Benjamin Walker, had the coffin dug up and reburied. He is buried near his cabin originally in an unmarked grave in accordance with his wishes. In 1875, however, the Steuben Society of America and New York State erected a monument to mark the Baron's final resting place.

George Washington America's Great leader of the revolution and father of his country see
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THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS |
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THE 35th FOOT PROJECT |