I was delightfully surprised to be given the privilege on July 22 to join New York State Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Erik Kulleseid in cutting the ribbon to unveil new walking paths and landscaping improvements at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic in Newburgh. Earlier this year, our National Society donated a new flag and flagpole as part of the site improvements at this, the first publicly owned historic site in the nation (purchased by New York State due to its historical significance in 1850).
Washington spent more time here than anywhere else during the Revolution, some 16 months in all. It was here that Washington rejected the idea of an American monarchy; ended the Newburgh Conspiracy, preventing potential military control of the government; created the Badge of Military Merit, forerunner of the Purple Heart; and circulated an influential letter to State Governors outlining the key principals he felt necessary for the new republic.