The Hasbrouk house on a bluff above the Hudson River was General Washington's headquarters from 3/31/1782 to 8/17/1732, his longest stay at any time during the war. He did move around and see other commanders during this time, but the main camp was Newburgh. It is eight miles above the West Point defenses.
The war was really over after the victory at Yorktown, but the army had to be maintained since Britain did not withdraw it's armies after the defeat. New York City was still occupied and there was a sentiment in Britain to not give the colonies up just yet.
The Hasbrouck house was a modest Dutch home. When you visit, you will discover the house to be small but comfortable. You will also find it hard to believe that Washington, Martha, his aides and servants all lived here and the vast number of guests that came.
The property will allow you to walk towards the bluff overlooking the Hudson River and see Beacon Mountain across the river. On top of the mountain was where the American army had bon fires to warn of the British approach.
The front of the Hasbrouck House. Here Washington directed the army in the final months of the war. He also stopped the talk of his officers marching on Congress to demand their back pay. He stopped the idea of the United States becoming a monarchy with him as King. He gave orders to protect the Congress when Pennsylvania soldiers marched on Philadelphia for their pay. Congress moved to Princeton NJ and Washington moved closer to deter more mutinies.
"The Minuteman" by Henry Kitson
was placed on the grounds in 1924.The Tower of Victory built in 1890 to celebrate Washington's stay.
This headquarters was also where Washington developed a medal for the soldiers who demonstrated heroic action. The medal developed into the Purple Heart.
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