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Marquee Ropes and Tensioners

  • Not on View

These rope fragments were once attached to the roof of General George Washington’s sleeping and office marquee to keep the tent upright. Wooden tent pins, or stakes, secured the ropes to the ground. The wooden tensioners attached to the ropes allowed the ropes to be tightened, which kept the canvas roof taut. Washington’s Life Guard, and many of his enslaved servants, would pack and unpack these items, as well as tent poles and the canvas itself when Washington moved camp. The sight of their general raising his tent among the troops of the army caused much adoration and love for Washington among the officers and men of the Continental Army.

Object Details

  • Marquee Ropes and Tensioners
    Unidentified Maker
    Reading, Pennsylvania
    1778
    Wood (oak), Hemp
    Museum of the American Revolution, 2003.00.0864 and 2003.00.0866

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A recreated of an end of Washington's tent displayed with his camp bed and additional camp items.
 
Exhibits

Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent

February 17, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent brought to life the journey of George Washington’s tent from the Revolutionary War to an enduring symbol of the American republic.
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Washington Field HQ Sleeping Marquee Exterior View
 

Virtual Tour of Washington's Field Headquarters

Explore the Museum's handsewn, full-scale replicas of General George Washington's Revolutionary War sleeping, dining, and baggage tents through 360-degree images in our Virtual Tour of Washington's Field Headquarters.
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General George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters tent on display at the Museum
 

Washington's War Tents

Explore the cornerstone of the Museum's collection, General George Washington's Revolutionary War tent, and the handsewn, full-scale replica of his field headquarters.
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