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Did You Know?

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Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, King of Prussia

Who owned and lived in the building when Washington arrived?
The house was built for Isaac Potts, and iron master who was one of the owners of the Valley Forge. At the time of the winter encampment in 1777, he was not living there but had rented to his aunt, Deborah Hewes.

What was the building used for before the winter encampment?
This was a relatively new dwelling built sometime between 1768 and 1770, one of the number of houses in this small, rural, industrial village.

Did the military seize the house for their use in 1777?
General Washington felt strongly that the American army should hold itself to a high standard. Unlike the common European practice, the American military generally did not forcibly seize property. The Continental Army paid Isaac Potts 100 pounds in Pennsylvania currency for the use of the house. Relative to the times, this was probably a fair amount.

Did Washington really sleep here?
George and Martha Washington slept here, as did many of the General’s aides-de-camp, or secretaries. The bedrooms are located on the second floor.

How many people lived in Headquarters?
As many as 25 people, all part of Washington's military household might have lived here. This included Washington, his aides-de-camp and other military staff, as well as the housekeeper, cooks, maids and servants, both free and enslaved.

Are the furnishings authentic?
The majority of the furnishings are reproductions of the items known to be used by General Washington and his military family during the encampment. In addition, there are items similar to what would have been left behind by Deborah Hewes when she rented the house to General Washington. Some items from the period are present.

Does the building look the same as it did in 1777 or has it been remodeled?
The larger selection of the building has the same appearance it had in 1777. Research, archaeological instructional investigation, and anecdotal histories have offered different views of the building through the years, leading to the most recent restoration in 1975. During the encampment, General Washington found the house to be too small, and added a log structure (now gone) to accommodate the large numbers living and working in the house.

Did Washington receive a salary is Commander-in-Chief of the Army?
Washington refused to accept any pay for his services. He kept a detailed expense account, which was submitted to and paid by the government.

What happened to the house after the revolution?
The property was used as a family home until 1878 when it was purchased by the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge for the purpose of preservation and commemoration of the encampment. In 1893 the state of Pennsylvania acquired the home and surrounding lands—forming Pennsylvania's first state park. In 1976 stewardship passed to the National Park Service.

(captions)
(lower left) 1861. This is the earliest known photograph of Washington’s Headquarters, taken when it was still a private residence.
(center) 1880. This very early photo shows a two-story kitchen wing on the left of the building as well as a two-story structure at the rear
(upper right) 1905. The kitchen is reduced to one story and a fence and entry portal define the front. (middle right) 1915. Headquarters is promoted as a destination for horse-drawn carriages as well as automobiles
(lower right) 1960s. The kitchen wing on the left side of the building is raised the two stories.

Since the national park was established in 1976, further restoration has been done on the building and grounds. As you look at the Headquarters, can you tell what has changed since the 1960 photo?

(War, US Revolutionary) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Soldiers Monument at Germantown

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Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, Philadelphia

(side 1)
They never fail who die in a great cause.
Byron

1861 Germantown's tribute to her heroic dead 1883

(side 2)
Pennsylvania
The Keystone State
Liberty without obedience is confusion and obedience without liberty is slavery.
Penn

(side 3)
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love
On Earth peace. Good will toward men.
Luke 2:14

(side 4)
United States of America
Liberty and Union,
now and forever, one and inseparable.
Webster

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 14 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Vermont is a State I Love

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Vermont, Bennington County, Bennington
The text of this marker found on both sides of this plaque.

“I could not look upon the peaks of Ascutney, Eillington, Mansfield, and Equinox without being moved in a way that no other scene could move me. It was here that I first saw the light of day; here i received my bride; here my dead lie pillowed on the loving breast of our everlasting hills. I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all, because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who have almost beggared themselves to serve others. It the spirit of liberty should vanish from other parts of the union and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont.”

President Coolidge ended a two-day inspection of Vermont’s 1927 flood recovery as his train arrived here about 7 p.m. Sept. 21, 1928. 5,000 people greeted Coolidge and his wife Grace with loud applause as they appeared on the rear coach platform. After quieting the crowd, the president began. “Fellow Vermonters, for two days we have traveled through the state of Vermont…” He thanked Vermonters for their hospitality and great response to the flood. Continuing without notes, he said, “Vermont is a state I love…” A reporter heard Coolidge’s voice “quivering with emotion.” Applause was lengthy. Mrs. Coolidge asked if reporters has written down the words, lest they be lost. “Vermont is a State I Love” remains Coolidge’s best-known tribute to his native state.

(Notable Persons) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Williamsville Water Mill

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New York, Erie County, Williamsville
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior

(Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 9 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Stoddard Glass

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New Hampshire, Cheshire County, Stoddard
Glassmaking in this town covered the years 1842-1873. Nearby stood the South Stoddard Glass Works founded by Joseph Foster in 1842. A second works was erected in 1846 at Mill Village two miles north. In its day a major industry of the State, Stoddard glass products are now highly prized by collectors.

(Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Andrew Jackson’s Visit

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New Hampshire, Merrimack County, Bow
Just north of this point, on the boundary between Bow and Concord a large cavalcade of enthusiastic citizens met President Jackson and escorted him to New Hampshire’s Capital. His official reception by the State Government on the following day, June 29, 1833, marked the conclusion of a triumphal New England tour.

(Politics) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Henry Covered Bridge

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Vermont, Bennington County, Old Bennington
This quiet spot was once a major river crossing. Traffic between southwestern Vermont and New York State crossed here, until the railroad was built in 1852, troops marched from Manchester, Vermont to the Battle of Bennington in 1777, and teams and stages transported freight and passenger. The original Henry Covered Bridge was built c. 1840. In the 1860s and ‘70s, heavy wagon loads of iron ore were hauled over the bridge from the Burden Iron Company mine on Orebed Road to its washing works on Paran Creek in North Bennington. A succession of water-powered mills was located next to the bridge on the south side. The last was a grist mill operated into the 1920s by Bertine T. Henry, one of this area’s many descendants of the Irish-born William Henry (1734-1811).

This bridge is supported by Town lattice trusses. The design, patented in 1820 by Connecticut architect Ithiel Town, represented a great technological leap forward from the earlier heavy timber king post, queen post, and Burr truss styles. Carpenters with saw and and drills could assemble a lighter, stronger, web-like truss from mill-sawn planks with wooden trunnels (pegs). Bridges were covered to protect the structural skeleton from moisture, helping to preserve the bridge.

This bridge, built in 1989 by the State of Vermont, Agency of Transportation, is a replica replacing the deteriorating original bridge built c. 1840.

Two other covered bridges, the Paper Mill Village Covered Bridge and the Silk Road Covered Bridge, cross the Walloomsac River within two

(Bridges & Viaducts) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial

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Virginia, Alexandria

The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial is dedicated to honoring more than 1,700 people of African descent buried here during and following the Civil War, as well as those who may have been laid to rest after the cemetery officially closed.

Since the war, the cemetery has endured many desecrations and years of neglect. Through the efforts of an advocacy group, historians, archeologists, and City officials, this place again became sacred ground and now honors by name the individuals buried here and the legacy of freedom personified by their descendants.

By reclaiming this place, recalling a forgotten history, and protecting the graves that remain, the memorial ensures that we remember those who struggled for freedom and the contributions they made to our city.

(African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Military • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Operation Desert Storm Memorial

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North Carolina, Onslow County, Jacksonville
Onslow County,
The City of Jacksonville and WCTI-TV 12
honor the men and women of
Eastern North Carolina
who served in Operation Desert Storm.

This tribute serves as a lasting reminder of
your excellence performed in the line of duty,
and the dedication shown to your country.
Thank you for your service to us and to others.

May God bless you.

(War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Topsail Battery

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North Carolina, Pender County, Hampstead

Confederate breastworks were constructed in this vicinity in 1862 to protect Wilmington from an attack from the north and for coastal defense.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Onslow Raid

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North Carolina, Onslow County, Jacksonville

Federal gunboat Ellis attacked this town Nov. 23, 1862, then ran aground downstream. It was abandoned under Confederate crossfire.

(War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Montford Point

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North Carolina, Onslow County, Jacksonville
Acquired by the government with the rest of Camp Lejeune, Montford Point became the site of the first training camp for African American Marines. Executive Order 8802, issued by President Franklin Roosevelt on June 25, 1941, ensured full participation in the nation’s defense, opening the door for blacks to enter the United States Marine Corps. Instruction began in the summer of 1942 for a small number of eager recruits such as Arnold R. Bostic, who later recalled that after the first tough day of training, his platoon “decided we are going to complete boot camp and become Marines no matter how hard they made it for us, or what anyone said.”

The training site for more than 22,000 African American Marines, Montford Point was deactivated on September 9, 1949. President Truman’s Executive Order 9981, issued earlier that year, effectively ended racial segregation in the armed forces. In 1974, in honor of Sgt. Major Gilbert H. “Hashmark” Johnson, Montford Point became Camp Johnson, the first military installation to be named after an African-American Marine.

(sidebar)
Courageous Honored
The courage of the Montford Point Marines laid the foundation for equal opportunity in the United States Marine Corps.

In recognition of their contributions, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines on 23 November 2011.

(captions)
(center) Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson guides one of his Marines at Montford Point
(right) Drill Instructor Edgar Huff with one of the many platoons he trained.

(African Americans • War, World II) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Missile Tests

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North Carolina, Onslow County, Topsail Beach

U.S. Navy successfully tested ram jet engines in rocket flights, 1946-48. Observation towers line Topsail Island; Assembly Building 2 blocks west.

(Air & Space • War, Cold) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Tennessee Association,

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Tennessee, Williamson County, Franklin

Side A
The association was established at Franklin on Sept. 14, 1892, in conjunction with the annual reunion of the Tennessee Association of Confederate Soldiers which was held in McGavock's Grove 500 yards Southeast of this marker. The Tennessee Association, Sons of Confederate Soldiers was founded by Delegates representing bivouacs from Winchester, Nash., Clarksville, Gainesboro, Knoxville, Franklin, and McKenzie. Known today as the Sons of Confederate Veterans (S.C.V.), the group continues to promote Confederate historical and memorial events. (Continued on other side) Side B (Continued from other side) The first officers of the association were Biscoe Hindman - President, Lee S. McEwen - Vice President, James Turney - second VP, Litton Hickman - Secretary, Frank Beaumont - Treasurer, Rev. Thomas Gailor - Chaplain, and James T. Quarles - Sergeant-at-Arms. Ten thousand people were welcomed by the city before attending the program. They were seated at a dinner table 1¼ mile long while hearing tragic battle related stories from survivors of the hard fought Battle of Franklin a mere 26 years earlier.

(Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

George Davis

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North Carolina, New Hanover County, Wilmington

Confederate Senator, 1862-64, and Attorney General, 1864-65. Birthplace stood 3 mi. east.

(Politics • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

State Salt Works

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North Carolina, New Hanover County, Wilmington

The state of North Carolina to relieve a wartime scarcity, operated salt works from here to Myrtle Grove Sound, 1861-64.

(Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Fall of Wilmington

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North Carolina, New Hanover County, Wilmington

Union assault on Hoke's entrenched Confederates led to the city's fall, February 22, 1865. Earthworks were nearby,

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

North Carolina Shipbuilding Co.

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North Carolina, New Hanover County, Wilmington

Constructed 243 vessels at shipyard one mile west, 1941-1946. Its first Liberty Ship, the S.S. Zebulon B. Vance, launched Dec. 6, 1941.

(War, World II • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Edwin A. Anderson

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North Carolina, New Hanover County, Wilmington

Admiral, U.S. Navy. Received Congressional recognition for service in War with Spain, at Vera Cruz; and in World War I. Home is 4 mi. E.

(War, Spanish-American • War, World I) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Katherine and James Wickham House

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Wisconsin, Eau Claire County, Eau Claire
Historic Building
Katherine and James Wickham constructed this Colonial Revival style home in 1925-26. It is one of the best examples of this architectural style in the City. James Wickham was a prominent Eau Claire attorney who argued over 125 cases in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. He also served as judge of the 19th Judicial Court for 32 years. Mr. Wickham died in 1944 and his wife Katherine remained in the house until she passed away in 1954. The house is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Designated January 5th
Two Thousand Nine

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
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