Field Bedstead

The folding bed used at camp by George Washington while serving as Commander of the Continental Army

Historical Period

The American Revolution and A New Nation

includes

12 Analysis questions 3 Vocabulary Words

contributing partner

artifact-gwmv-field-bedstead-with-bedding

Download

Download

About

George Washington received this field bedstead in 1775 after assuming the role of leader of the Continental Army. The mattress, pillow, sheets, and curtains shown were created by modern experts to illustrate how they were used. Designed for portability and durability, the bed could quickly be folded and transported easily. The field bedstead signified George Washington’s rank and distinction as well as providing the comforts of home while at war.

Start Prepping for Class

Customize this page for your students' needs or grab ready-to-go assets and take it all to class

Field Bedstead

Viewing:

Analysis Questions

Foster inquiry and understanding with these source-specific questions, designed to be accessible even for those with limited background knowledge.

say hello to the source

1

Look at each of the pictures of this object. What do you notice about it?
2

What questions do you have about this object?
3

Who do you think might have slept in this bed?

make observations

4

What parts does this bed have? What materials do you think each part is made of?
5

What do you think you might see, feel, hear, or smell if you were to lie down on this bed?
6

What do you notice about the bed when it is collapsed and folded?

interpret what you see

7

What might be the purpose of the curtain that hangs over the bed?
8

This bed is designed to be collapsible and foldable. Why would someone want a foldable bed?
9

This object, sometimes called a bedstead, was used in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. At that time, most soldiers did not have bedsteads and slept on pads, straw, or blankets on the ground or on bunks. What does this tell you about the person who slept on this bed during the American Revolution?
10

This bed was given to George Washington when he became the leader of the Continental Army. Why might George Washington use a bed like this?

use it as evidence

11

What does the fact that the bed was designed to be portable tell you about life in the Continental Army?
12

This bedstead would have been set up in a special tent for George Washington. Other soldiers in the Continental Army shared crowded tents or huts or even slept outdoors. How do you think these soldiers might have felt about George Washington’s special bed and tent?

Vocabulary

Use these related vocabulary terms to build students’ understanding and support more meaningful discussions and learning outcomes in your classroom.

Definition

a frame that holds a mattress

Example

The small bedroom contained a bedstead, nightstand, and dresser.

Definition

the army created by the Thirteen Colonies to fight against the British in the Revolutionary War

Example

In 1775, George Washington was made Commander-in-Chief over all the soldiers in the Continental Army.

Definition

easy to move

Example

When we go away, my family always brings a portable crib that can be folded up into a small package for my baby sister to sleep in.

Citation & Details

Citations

Date Created: c. 1775
Format: Beech (throughout), red oak (replaced proper left leg at head), mahogany (later headboard), poplar, maple (replaced tester and lath), iron, brass
Materials and Measurements: Overall (Folded H x W x D): 11 3/16 in. x 11 3/4 in. x 36 1/8 in. (28.42 cm x 29.85 cm x 91.76 cm) Overall (Standing H x W x D): 48 in. x 36 in. x 72 in. (121.92 cm x 91.44 cm x 182.88 cm)
Point of Origin: Possibly made- England; Possibly made- United States
Object Identifier #: W-473
Citation Label: Field bedstead
Donor Credit Label: Gift of Birdie Washington in memory of Mrs. N.D.B. Washington, 1921 Conservation courtesy of the Life Guard Society of Historic Mount Vernon and the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC