George Washington's Camp Bed and Chest in Henry Ford Museum, June 2007

George Washington carried folding beds, tents, eating utensils, and other equipment to use while encamped on the field with his troops during the Revolutionary War. Washington likely used this bed when he traveled from his Newburgh, New York, headquarters in July 1783 -- as the war was winding down -- to tour upstate New York and the military installations located there.

Many high-ranking officers of the American Revolution carried camp chests, called canteens, for dining while encamped with their armies. This canteen belonged to General George Washington. It enabled him to take meals on the battlefield in a manner befitting his rank as commander-in-chief -- with tea, liquor, freshly ground nutmeg and other spices, candles, and relatively fine tableware.