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Signature of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Steuben's handwritten signature, reading 'Baron de Steuben', as reproduced in Appletons' encyclopedia.

His own signature, showing how he styled himself as 'Baron de Steuben' in American correspondence.

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Handwritten cursive signature in black ink reading 'Baron de Steuben' on a white background.
Signature of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, reproduced from Appletons' encyclopedia.

About this source

What it is

This is a reproduction of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben's signature, taken from Appletons' encyclopedia. It shows how he signed his name as 'Baron de Steuben' during his American career.

Why it matters

Steuben was a Prussian officer who became Inspector General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The way he signed his name, using the title 'Baron', reveals how he presented his European rank and status to his American colleagues and in official correspondence.

Look closer

  • What does the choice of signing as 'Baron de Steuben' rather than using his full German name suggest about how he wanted to be seen?
  • Why might an officer's signature matter for historians studying his letters and orders?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Friedrich von Steuben on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus, Baron von Steuben

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Handwritten letter in brown ink on aged paper, dated Montpellier 12 March 1773 at top right, addressed 'Monsieur' and written in French in cursive script. It is signed at the bottom right with a closing phrase and the name 'de Steuben'.Letter

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Letter from Montpellier

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben · 12 March 1773

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