The American Historical Theatre

Presents

General Von Steuben

"I TOOK THE MUSKET IN MY OWN HANDS..."

The American Historical Theatre is proud to introduce William Ochester as General Frederick Von Steuben.

George Washington's troops arrived for winter camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1777 a rag-tag group of unorganized militia men and well meaning patriots.  They left camp in the spring of 1778 as a well trained army of American Soldiers.  During that desperate winter, Frederick Von Steuben of Prussia, arrived in camp to train the troops.

Benjamin Franklin met Von Steuben in France and immediately understood that this Prussian Career Soldier was just the thing the American Forces needed if the struggle for Independence was to succeed.  Von Steuben was recruited, sailed to America, and set to work.  Although he held the rank of Lieutenant General, United States Army, he may best be remembered as its first original
"Drill Sergeant".