Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Born: 1730 | Died: 1794

Soldier and Statesman

Friedrich Wilhelm Ludholf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben was born in Magdeburg, Prussia. He became an officer at a young age in the Prussian army and was a member of the infantry. Due to excellent service he was commended to serve at Frederick the Great's headquarters.

Eventually, von Steuben would use his knowledge gained through his years in the Prussian military service to join the Continental army in America. In 1777, von Steuben emigrated to the United States and, with the help of Benjamin Franklin, he reported to Washington at Valley Forge and was commissioned to train the troops.

Speaking no English, he communicated with the soldiers in French. Under von Steuben's training the army became more successful in fighting the British troops. Von Steuben’s influence on military structure and organization is still felt today. Von Steuben served as a division commander in Virginia and participated in the 1781 siege of Yorktown, where the British met final defeat. After the war, von Steuben resettled to New York City, and he died in 1794 in Oneida County, NY.

A number of U.S. cities and counties are named for von Steuben and today he even has his own holiday. As part of the German-American Friendship Week, the Steuben Parade draws huge crowds in New York City and several other cities around the U.S.

For more information Click here.