George Washington Slept Here

 

On an old school house in North Carolina.
Image available HERE.

You might have heard the expression "George Washington slept here." In this day in age its hard to imagine having a national hero of such reknown that citizens would take such pride as to publicize that he laid his head to rest in their abodes.  Yet, there are many markers around the original "colonies" that claim this status. You can find a complete list HERE.

The slogan even became a title of a popular romantic comedy in 1942 starring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan. Ann plays the wife who, unbeknownst to her husband, acquires a dilapidated house in rural Pennsylvania after the couple were forced out of their New York City apartment. The house is believed to have served as a temporary home for Gen. George Washington's during the Revolutionary War. I love classic movies and this, by the way, is a goodie!


On my trip to Pennsylvania this summer, I went to Valley Forge and was able to view a room where George Washington actually slept. Or perhaps tried to during what must have been many restless and agonizing nights. Here is a peek into his bedchamber in his stone house.

 

  

 

  

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George must have grown weary having to travel so. No wonder he longed for his beloved Mount Vernon. This bedchamber was his final resting place.

The bedchamber of George Washington at Mount Vernon.

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The setting of my novella, "'Tis the Season," which is featured in my new release, Bygone Christmas Brides, is at a New Jersey resort which Gen. George Washington visited on occasion, much like Saratoga Springs. One of the real Schooley's Mountain Springs resorts also boasted of their esteemed visitor, as I learned in my research. Here's an excerpt:

“Folks have been resorting to Schooley’s Mountain since the end of the last century. George Washington even stayed at Heath House,” said Reverend Hendricks. “Mr. Marsh preserves the room that the president slept in at the Alpha, the resort’s oldest building.”

Stephan noted Annaliese, sipping her tea, looked like a fine society lady.

“Is that correct, Annaliese?”

Annaliese nodded. “The furnishings are just as they were while he visited there, from what I understand.” 

Best-selling inspirational romance author Carla Gade writes adventures of the heart with historical roots. With ten books in print, she is always imaging more stories and enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic settings and characters. A native New Englander, Carla writes from her home amidst the rustic landscapes of Maine. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and house plan hobbyist, Carla's great love (next to her family) is historical research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an old fort, or interviewing a docent at an historical museum, it's easier to connect with her online at http://carlagade.blogspot.com.