Estate to Host One of the Largest Revolutionary War Encampments of the Year
MOUNT VERNON, VA – Join Mount Vernon May 2 and 3 for one of Mount Vernon’s largest-ever Revolutionary War encampments! Step back in time and walk through a reproduction of the marquee tent that served as General Washington’s field headquarters throughout most of the Revolutionary War. This special tent is on loan to Mount Vernon this weekend only from the Museum of the American Revolution.
Meet more than 450 Revolutionary War military re-enactors, learn more about life in the 18th century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments. "General Washington" will be on the grounds throughout the day supervising his soldiers on site. Watch as the American and British re-enactors duel on the lawn in front of George Washington’s Mansion.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience camp life like George Washington during the Revolutionary War through a tour of Washington's marquee tent, carefully reproduced down to the stitches. Special screenings of Mount Vernon's "Now or Never" and "Winter Patriots" films will take place in the Ford Orientation Center's theaters throughout the weekend.
The original sleeping and office tent was one of a pair of marquees made for Gen. Washington in early 1778, at the end of the Valley Forge encampment. Washington returned to his Mount Vernon home with his tents and other military equipment in December 1783 after he resigned his commission. Following his death in 1799 and the death of his wife, Martha, in 1802, Washington’s military effects, including the tents were sold at private auction to Martha’s grandson, George Washington Parke Custis.
For more information and to see a full list of participating regiments, please visit MountVernon.org/Encampment.
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