Learn more about the Newburgh Conspiracy and the role George Washington played in saving the republic at its most vulnerable point.
Was the young American nation at risk from a military coup in 1783? Watch as Dr. James Kirby Martin, a nationally recognized scholar of the Revolutionary War, discusses in a four-part series the conspiracy that threatened to destroy the nation before it began.
The New Windsor Cantonment
Learn more about the military quarters near Newburgh, New York, the Continental Army's last winter encampment of the American Revolution.
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The Conspirators
Read more about the mutiny that almost was, and one of its possible architects, in this piece from Mount Vernon's Digital Encyclopedia.
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Read the Newburgh Address
Read a transcript of George Washington's March 15, 1783 address to his officers.
Learn moreLeading with Character: George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy
Washington achieved one of his greatest triumphs with words, rather than bullets or bayonets, and ultimately turned the fate of history. This case provides a conceptual understanding of character, and describes its role in exemplary leadership.
From the Collection
See a 20th-century representation of George Washington celebrating peace with Great Britain in his Newburgh headquarters. Restlessness and inaction during the long peace process played a major role in the rise of the Newburgh conspiracy.
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Circular Letter
At the close of the American Revolution, George Washington wrote a letter to the governors of the 13 states. Read the letter here, and learn more about Washington's hopes and vision for his new nation.
Read the Letter
Washington's Travels
Discover more information about Newburgh, New York and General Washington's travels in 1783.
Explore the mapThe Newburgh Conspiracy
| Start: | March 10, 1783 - First Newburgh Address |
| Key Issues: | Continental Army officers protested a lack of adequate provisions and delays in pay |
| Threat: | Members of the army threatened to use force to get what they wanted, or leave the British army unopposed |
| Solution: | A direct appeal for patience and patriotism from George Washington to his officers |
| End: | March 15, 1783 |
Be Washington
Solve the Newburgh Conspiracy
Its March, 15, 1783 and your officers, poorly paid and supported, are contemplating action against Congress. What will you do? Play the Newburgh Conspiracy scenario in Be Washington.
Award-Winning Video
A More Perfect Union
Watch Mount Vernon's newest animated video presentation about George Washington and the forming of the U.S. Constitution.
Washington and the Revolutionary War
Learn more about how General George Washington led the American army to victory in the Revolutionary War.
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