NJ, USA
Congress Thanks Washington at Princeton
August 26, 1783
On August 26, 1783, the Continental Congress, meeting at Nassau Hall in Princeton, formally passed a resolution thanking George Washington for his service as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington traveled to Princeton and was received by Congress in a ceremony at Nassau Hall. Congress commissioned Charles Willson Peale to paint an equestrian portrait of Washington, which was eventually completed and still hangs in Nassau Hall. The event reinforced Princeton's role as a center of national governance during the summer and fall of 1783.
People Involved
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army (1732-1799) who personally led the attack at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, rallying his troops at a critical moment to turn the tide of the engagement.
Princeton-area lawyer and statesman (1740-1821) who served as President of the Continental Congress in 1782-1783, presiding over the peace treaty with Britain while Congress met at Nassau Hall in Princeton.