Used by George Washington (American, 1732 – 1799)

Camp bed

ca. 1775-1777

Place made, probablyUnited States, North America

Wood; canvas, iron

Overall: 34 1/2 in. × 27 3/4 in. × 6 ft. 6 in. (87.6 × 70.5 × 198.1 cm)

Gift of Ernest Livingston McCrackan

1871.8

According to the donor's great-aunt, Mrs. Francis A. Livingston (Catharine Roosevelt Kissam), this camp bed was given by Washington to his recording secretary, Richard Varick (1753-1831), at the close of the Revolutionary War. Varick then entrusted it to his wife's niece, Mrs. John L. Lefferts (Helena Kissam), who subsequently gave it to her great-nephew, the donor.

DescriptionCamp bed said to have been used by George Washington at Valley Forge; in three folding sections, each with canvas top supported by X-shaped wooden base; the whole surrounded by wooden frame (missing one of four pieces) with iron mounts.

MarkingsBrass plaque affixed to inner face of headboard inscribed: "The Camp Bedstead / used by / General Washington / during the Revolution. / Presented to the / NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, / BY / Ernest Livingston McCrackan"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: MISCELLANEOUS

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