1-Tank Adventure: Washington's Headquarters Historic Site

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — There are places with plaques that boast, "George Washington slept here," but only a very few can honestly say, "General Washington formulated his vision for a new nation here."

George Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site was the first publicly owned historic site in the U.S. The rooms where the country's history was made have been preserved to this day and it turns out a lot of history was made in the short time General George Washington spent in Newburgh, according to the site's caretakers.

Our best-known forefather crafted a flat rejection of the idea of an American monarchy while he was a resident of the Hudson Valley. He ended the so-called "Newburgh Conspiracy," putting down a potential mutiny and preventing military control of the new government. Washington even reportedly conceived the Badge of Military Merit, which is a forerunner of the Purple Heart, while running the revolution from here.

The Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site includes a museum, with authentic relics featuring more than 1,300 objects from the Washington's Headquarters collection on public display. Visitors can also take a tour of the Tower of Victory onsite and climb to the top of the recently restored lookout for stunning views of the scenic region.

IF YOU GO:

• Museum and Headquarters tours are by reservation only. Winter hours are in effect. The Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site is currently open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 845-562-1195
• Admission to Washington's Headquarters includes a guided tour of the historic Hasbrouck House, furnished to reflect its use as General Washington's Headquarters from April of 1782 to August of 1783, as well as self-guided access to the museum building, which includes two floors of exhibits.
• Washington's Headquarters also offers group tours, school programs, and adult programs.

SEE ALSO:

• 1-Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park
• 1-Tank Adventure: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
• 1-Tank Adventure: Stone Barns Center For Food And Agriculture
• 1-Tank Adventure: Building Memories At Legoland
• 1-Tank Adventure: Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
• 1-Tank Adventure: 'See For Miles' At This Hudson Valley Overlook
• 1-Tank Adventure: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• 1-Tank Adventure: The Wild Center
• 1-Tank Adventure: Marshland Conservancy