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Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730-1794)

The man who uniquely combined the virtues of unselfishness, military precision and democratic conviction, is praised as one of the founders of German-American friendship. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was born on September 17 1730 in Magdeburg.

Next to the drill field at Valley Forge the German- Americans erected a monument in 1915 to this former Prussian officer and later Inspecteur General of the American army. It was originally established to keep the memory of the Baron von Steuben and his historical significance fresh in the minds of future generations. As Organizer he leaded the American Army during the War of Indepenence to success. Later he devoted his energies to the security and strenghtening of American democracy, designed a concept of national defense and a plan for the establishment of military academies.Both designs were later implemented.A close relationship to trust existed between him and George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Revolution War and first President of the United States. The man who uniquely combined the virtues of unselfishness, military precision and democratic conviction, is praised as one of the founders of German-American friendship. Since 1958 there is every year the Steuben Parade in New York, on which the Magdeburger Fanfaren Orchestra and the “Spielmannszug “Thartun” ” already took part.

Every year on September 17th the mayor of Magdeburg, the Steuben-Schurz Association and the German-American Dialog Center lay a wreath in memory of the Magdeburger son.

Every two years the Dialog Center celebrates the Steuben Conference in Magdeburg.

Curriculum vitae: Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

• 1730: Steuben was born in Magdeburg on september 17
• 1746: Begins his 18-year service in the Prussian army. Soldier with the Lestwitz Regiment in Breslau
• 1756: Start of the Seven Years´ War: March into Saxonie
• 1761: Adjutant and Quartermaster lieutenant in Frederick the Great´s suite. Collaborates on planning operations
• 1763: At the end of April, retires from the Prussian army.
• 1777: Departs September 26 from Marseilles for New Hampshire, December 1.
• 1778: Von Steuben´s arrival February 23 in Valley Forge. Shortly thereafter, begins troop training. Reorganization of the army provides basis for later military succeses. Appointed General Inspecteur of the Continental Army
• 1779: approved March 29 by Congress as official regulations for the Continental Army
• 1780: Steuben visits Washington at Mount Vernon and continues to Richmond
• 1781: Appointed Commander of the Troops of Virginia, January 4. Division Command during the siege of Yorktown
• 1783: Washington´s of appreciation, December 23. Steuben drafts concept of national defense and becomes U.S. citizen.
• 1784: Steuben retirs from the army in March. Apri, 15, receives gold-plated sword from Congress in recognition of his services.. He explains plan for a militia system. Becomes honaorary citizen of New York.
• 1785: President of the German Society of New York till his death in 1794
• 1786: New York State gives land near Remsen to Steuben.
• 1789: Honorary guest at Washington´s inauguration, April 30
• 1794: Third testament, February 12. Steuben drafts plan for New York Harbor fortification. Dies November 28 at his estate. Tombstone inscription reads: “His Services Were Indispensable For The Achievement of American Independence.”

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