With a letter of introduction tucked in his pocket and his beloved Russian wolfhound, Azor, strolling alongside, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben headed toward the Continental Army winter encampment at Valley Forge. He reported to General Washington at his headquarters in Valley Forge in February 1778.
Born in Prussia (modern-day Germany) in 1730, the son of a Prussian military captain, von Steuben was destined for a military career. He joined the Prussian army at the age of 17 and fought in the Seven Years’ War. He was bestowed the title of Baron in 1771 when he served in the court of the Prince of Hollenzollern-Hechingen.
In 1775, von Steuben began looking for a government appointment to support himself and pay off his many debts. Through connections to Benjamin Franklin, ambassador to France, he learned of an opportunity in the Continental Army. He wrote a letter to General Washington presenting himself as a volunteer, knowing there were no resources for pay. The General welcomed him as “a man of military knowledge and well acquainted with the world.” Von Stueben was a refreshing change from the many status-hungry officers flocking from Europe for rank and riches.
When he arrived, von Steuben was extremely discouraged by the state of the Continental Army. His mission was to observe the American soldiers, equipment, skills, and living conditions. Although he did not speak English, he soon learned to understand the American character. He said to a friend:
In the first place, the genius of this nation is not in the least to be compared
to that of the Prussians, Austrians, or French. You say to your soldier,
“Do this,” and he does it, but I am obliged to say [to the American soldier],
“This is the reason why you ought to do that,” and then he does it.
Steuben promptly formed a model company of soldiers and trained them to march, use the bayonet, and execute orders quickly on the battlefield. In turn, this company trained all the able-bodied soldiers at Valley Forge. Steuben also worked with Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette to create a training manual for the Continental Army. Known as the Blue Book, the manual guided the army for many years. Although the historical Blue Book was replaced by the U.S. Army in 1812, the principles established by Baron von Steuben remain relevant today.
At the end of the war, von Stueben described Americans, “What a beautiful, happy country this is! No kings, without prelates, without blood-sucking farmer-generals (tax collectors), and without idle barons! Here, everybody is prosperous. Poverty is an unknown evil. Indeed, I should become too prolix if I were to give you an account of the prosperity and happiness of these people.”
Teach the Children America’s Christian History
Family Time Talks
- Who was Baron von Stueben and what preparation did he receive to prepare him for his life’s work?
- What was von Stueben’s contribution to General Washington and the soldiers at Valley Forge?
- What did he learn about America and Americans? What did he think made America a “happy country?”
