Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military man hired by George Washington to lead during the Revolutionary War. He served as Inspector General and a Major General of the Continental Army as well as Washington’s chief of staff in the last years of the war. Von Steuben’s strict attitude and strategy improved the troops’ low morale, earning him the honorary title of one of the fathers of the Continental Army.
Von Steuben joined the military at 17 and soon became a personal aide to Frederick the Great. After an abrupt and largely unexplained dismissal in 1763, he fled his homeland as a result of homophobic and unfounded rumors about his private life. He joined the Continental Army at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens were assigned to be his aides.
“Washington knew of the rumors about von Steuben’s sexuality but dismissed them. ‘He appears to be much of a gentleman, and as far as I have had an opportunity of judging, a man of military knowledge and acquainted with the world.’”
Washington knew of the rumors about von Steuben’s sexuality but dismissed them; though sodomy was illegal in America until the 1950s, romantic relationships between men were widely tolerated until the 19th century and it was only in the 20th century that the U.S. military began actively discriminating against gay people.
Washington quickly took to von Steuben: “He appears to be much of a gentleman, and as far as I have had an opportunity of judging, a man of military knowledge and acquainted with the world.” Von Steuben proved himself an invaluable asset by instilling discipline and teaching more efficient fighting techniques. Today he is widely considered a significant catalyst to American victory.
Despite Steuben’s harsh tactics, he was familiar and sociable with the troops, often inviting them over for dinner. The general became close to officers William North and Benjamin Walker, living with them for two years. From correspondence records and historical evidence, it is likely that he became romantically involved with North.
After the war, Steuben was granted citizenship and moved to New York with North and Walker. He made them his heirs, which was common among gay men in a time before same-sex marriage was legal. This allowed the men to live with him, manage his finances and inherit his estate after his death in 1794.
“Von Steuben’s legacy is honored to this day. The German-American Steuben Parade, as featured in the 1986 film, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ is held in New York City every year.”
Von Steuben’s legacy is honored to this day. Von Steuben Day, held in mid-September, is widely considered to be the German-American event of the year. The German-American Steuben Parade, as featured in the 1986 film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” is held in New York City every year. The Steuben Society was founded in 1919 as an “educational, fraternal and patriotic organization of American citizens of German background.” Many places have been named after him, including Steubenville, Ohio and Steuben County, New York.
Baron von Steuben, an American hero, deserves to be remembered not only for his role in the Revolutionary War and American independence, but also his courage and fortitude to live as an openly gay man in the 18th century.
Caroline Fritz is a fourth-year student majoring in English with minors in French and linguistics. ✉ CF853302@wcupa.edu.