George Washington's Headquarters (Cumberland, Maryland) facts for kids
The Headquarters of George Washington is a special historic place in Cumberland, Maryland. The main attraction here is an old log cabin. This cabin was used by George Washington, who later became the first President of the United States. He stayed in this cabin two different times! Today, the cabin is in a park called Riverside Park. It was originally built a couple of blocks away, on a hill overlooking Wills Creek and the Potomac River.
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A Special Place in History
The cabin was built between 1755 and 1758 by soldiers working for General Edward Braddock. It was made for George Washington when he was a young colonel during the French and Indian War. This was a big war between Great Britain and France, with their Native American allies, over land in North America.
Washington returned to the cabin later in 1794. By then, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the American Army and the President. He came back to review troops who were gathered to stop the Whiskey Rebellion. This was a time when some farmers protested a tax on whiskey.
This cabin is very important because it marks Washington's first military command. It was part of Fort Cumberland, a fort built during the French and Indian War. The cabin is the only building from the original Fort Cumberland that still stands today!
What the Historical Marker Says
A historical marker at the site says that this headquarters is older than any other similar headquarters in the United States. Here is what the marker says:
As colonel under General Braddock at Fort Cumberland during the French and Indian War 1755 - 1758 and as Commander-in-Chief of the American Army in 1794
Presented to the City of Cumberland by James Walter Thomas, L.L.D.; Litt.D.
Dedicated April 21, 1921 in the presence of General John J. Pershing Commander of American Armies
Major C.E.D. Bridges Military Attaché of British Embassy
Hon. Albert C. Ritchie Governor of Maryland
Dr. Thomas W. Koon Mayor of Cumberland
Judge Ferdinand Williams Presiding Officer
These headquarters, built by General Braddock's men for George Washington, antedate all similar headquarters in the United States. Here Washington acquired the military training, which distinguished him as the preeminently great American Soldier.
Exploring the Riverside Park Site
The single-room cabin is usually closed to the public. However, it opens for special events, like Cumberland's annual "Heritage Days" festival. When it's open, visitors can go inside.
When the cabin is closed, you can still explore the grounds and walk up to the porch. If you look through the windows, you'll see historical displays and old items. These are provided by a local group called The Daughters of the American Revolution. Inside, you can see furniture from Washington's time, old weapons, flags, and even a life-size wax figure of George Washington!
The Daughters of the American Revolution also help with events and welcome visitors when the cabin is open. You can also listen to an audio recording on the front porch. Just press a button near the front window. This recording shares music and a brief history of the cabin and its connection to George Washington's military career.
Fort Cumberland's Remains
While not directly part of the Headquarters, you can see a rebuilt part of Fort Cumberland's old wall in Riverside Park. The hill where Fort Cumberland and the cabin once stood is now home to The Emmanuel Episcopal Church. This church was built right on top of the old fort's foundations!
The original underground rooms and tunnels used to store food and ammunition still exist beneath the church. Today, these tunnels are safe to explore.
Moving and Restoring the Cabin
The cabin's exact original spot inside Fort Cumberland is not known for sure. However, old records and stories from people who lived in the area in the late 1800s suggest it was on a specific residential lot.
The cabin was used until 1844. Then, a judge named Thomas Perry bought the land where it stood. He knew the cabin was very important historically. To save it, he sold it to a friend, George Blocher. Judge Perry and Mr. Blocher carefully took the cabin apart. They moved it about a mile away to a farm on Bedford Road.
After some time, a local historian named James Walter Thomas bought the cabin. He wanted to move it back to its original location at Fort Cumberland. The cabin was then given to a builder named William J. Morley for restoration. Morley had experience, as he had restored a similar building at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. Valley Forge was another important place for George Washington and the early United States army.
Newspaper reports from April 1921 shared details about the restoration. They said that the original base, rafters, and other main parts of the cabin were still used. Only a new roof was added. If some logs were too old or damaged, they were replaced with logs from another old building in town.
Local officials helped the project by donating the land that became Riverside Park. In return, Thomas donated the cabin to the city. In 1921, the cabin was officially named "George Washington’s Headquarters," and the site as we see it today was created.
Authenticity and Discussion
Soon after the site was dedicated, there was some discussion about how authentic the cabin was. A local official suggested that the logs might have come from different places and times, making its connection to Washington questionable. However, these claims were later found to be based on rumors. The official eventually admitted his claims were not true.
Caretakers and Recognition
Since its public dedication, the site has been cared for by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They host events and have filled the cabin with furniture, clothes, weapons, and other items from Washington's time.
Since 1975, the site has been listed on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. It is also a featured stop on the Fort Cumberland Walking Trail.
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Fort Cumberland
