George Washington’s Office Tent

During the American Revolution, George Washington used two marquees, or large field tents, which served as his headquarters. The larger marquee served as campaign headquarters for functions such as officers’ meetings and formal dinners. The smaller marquee had designated spaces that provided an office, sleeping quarters, and storage space for baggage. This chamber stood inside the smaller of the two marquees and served as a private office for Washington. Here he wrote orders and correspondence, and conducted other business. Colonial National Historical Park also owns the ceiling liner for the large marquee. Both of these interior tent components are on exhibit at Yorktown Visitor Center.