War Office (Lebanon, Connecticut) facts for kids
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War Office
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | W. Town St., Lebanon, Connecticut |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1732 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Lebanon Green Historic District (ID79002666) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000695 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1970 |
| Designated CP | June 4, 1979 |
The War Office is a very old building in Lebanon, Connecticut. It was built around 1732. This building is super important because it was where Governor Jonathan Trumbull managed military plans during the American Revolutionary War. Today, it's a museum. It helps us remember the important role Connecticut played in winning America's freedom.
What Does the War Office Look Like?
The War Office stands on the west side of West Town Street. It faces Lebanon's long village green. This building is 1-1/2 stories tall. It is made of wood and has a special roof called a gambrel roof. A gambrel roof has two different slopes on each side. It also has a chimney made of brick in the middle. The outside of the building is covered with clapboard siding.
The front of the War Office has its main door on the left side. There are also two windows that are not evenly spaced. On the sides of the building, you can see single windows on both the first floor and the attic. Inside, the building is simply decorated. It now holds many museum exhibits for visitors to explore.
A Hub for the American Revolution
The War Office was first built around 1732. Captain Joseph Trumbull used it for his merchant business. But its most important role came during the American Revolutionary War. It became the main office for Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull. He was the only colonial governor who supported the American Revolution.
More than 1,000 important war meetings happened here. Leaders discussed plans and strategies to win independence. Many famous people visited the War Office during this time. These visitors included George Washington, who was the commander of the Continental Army. Other important guests were French generals like Rochambeau and Lafayette. Even political leaders like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin came to this building.
The area around the Lebanon Green was also important. The French Army's cavalry (soldiers on horseback) stayed there during the winter of 1780-81. They were preparing to join the rest of their army for a big march to Yorktown, Virginia. This march led to a major victory for the Americans.
From War Office to Museum
After the war, the War Office was not used much. It started to fall apart. But in 1891, it was given to the Connecticut chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. This group works to preserve history. They fixed up the building. Since then, the War Office has been a museum. It helps people learn about its important past. It is now part of a museum property. This property also includes the Trumbull House and the Wadsworth Stables.
The War Office was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is recognized as a very important historical site in the United States.
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