George Washington’s Army Headquarters

George Washington’s Army Headquarters

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, New York, was acquired and opened by the State of New York in 1850. It is the first publicly owned and operated historic site in the United States. Known as the Hasbrouck House, the National Landmark was restored to reflect George Washington’s time there with his wife, Martha.

From April of 1782 to August of 1783, George Washington made his headquarters in this fieldstone farmhouse just above the Hudson River. It was the longest he stayed at any location throughout the 8 1/2 years of the Revolutionary War. During his time there, General Washington made some of his most important contributions to shaping the American Army and the American Republic that soon followed. 

Among other achievements, it is at the Hasbrouck House where George Washington (i) rejected the idea of an American monarchy; (ii) ended a conspiracy, where some in the military tried to take control of the new government; (iii) created the Badge of Military Merit (later known as the Purple Heart) awarded to those service members killed or wounded in action; and (iv) wrote an historic letter to all the State Governors, where he outlined the key principles necessary to successfully establish a new Republic. Many scholars view this letter as a cornerstone of what would become the U.S. Constitution.

It is also at the Hasbrouck House where General George Washington – the Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army – formally delivered his “Proclamation for the Cessation of Hostilities” on April 18, 1783, effectively ending the Revolutionary War, congratulating his troops, and giving thanks to God. Washington wrote:

The Commander in Chief, orders the cessation of Hostilities, between the United States of America, and the King of Great Britain, to be publicly proclaimed … tomorrow evening at the Head of every Regiment and Corps of the Army—After which the Chaplains with the several Brigades will render thanks to the Almighty God, for all his mercies, particularly, for his over-ruling the wrath of man, to his own glory, and causing the rage of War, to cease amongst the Nations.

The Commander in Chief, far from endeavoring to stifle the feeling of Joy in his own bosom, offers his most cordial congratulations, on the occasion, to all the Officers of every denomination, to all the Troops of the United States in general, and in particular, to those gallant, and persevering men, who had resolved to defend the invaded rights of their Country, so long as the War should continue—for these are the men, who ought to be considered, as the pride and boast of the American Army, and who crowned with well-earned laurels, may soon withdraw, from the field of glory, to the more tranquil walks of Civil life.”

George Washington’s Army Headquarters