Fragment of George Washington’s Tent Bought at Goodwill for $1,700 USD

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Fragment of George Washington's Tent Bought at Goodwill for $1,700 USD

As a history enthusiast and collector, I was absolutely stunned when I came across a fragment of George Washington’s tent being sold for just $1,700 USD on Goodwill’s website. It’s not every day that one comes across such an extraordinary piece of American history, especially one that had once sheltered the first US president during his battles against the British in the Revolutionary War.

A piece of George Washington’s tent was unexpectedly listed for sale on Goodwill’s website for just $1,700. This isn’t the usual place or price for a historical item linked to the first US president, particularly one that Washington used during the Revolutionary War when he was engaged in battle against the British.

As a 70-year-old gamer with a passion for history, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I managed to acquire this fragment in 2022. Me? Really? I mean, this just seemed too good to be true! So, I was taken aback and kept it hidden from my wife Susan until I could confirm its authenticity. The note attached to the tent fragment read, “Taken from the history building at Jamestown Exposition 1907,” and “Property of John Burns Dec 23rd 07.” Wow, what a find!

Despite its significant historical worth, it’s puzzling how an item like that wound up at a thrift store such as Goodwill. Though the exact origins aren’t definitively known, a report published by The Independent reveals that the artifact can be traced back to George Washington Parke Custis – the grandson of Martha Washington, who received numerous family keepsakes since George and Martha didn’t have any children together.

Discovering this tent fragment enhances our knowledge of how Washington’s tents symbolized the delicate American endeavor for liberty, equality, and self-government during the founding era, according to Matthew Skic, curator at the Museum of the American Revolution. These tents, along with every piece of them, act as physical connections to the establishment of the United States. They help us grasp the dedication and resilience needed to build this nation and continue safeguarding its future.

The fragment of the Revolutionary War camping tent is now being displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia within the exhibit “Witness to Revolution: The Surprising Journey of Washington’s Tent,” until January 5, 2025. After that date, it is anticipated that Richard and Susan Moore will put it up for auction, with estimates suggesting a high selling price.

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2024-07-25 02:26