Lebanon in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
War Office
Governor Jonathan Trumbull’s War Office
Headquarters of the
Connecticut Council of Safety During
The War of the American Revolution
Erected by the
Connecticut George Washington Bi-Centennial Commission
October 8, 1932
( placard next to the war office )
Here in the War Office, as it came to be called, Governor Trumbull convened the Council of Safety to deal with the day-to-day emergencies. Many of the over 1,100 meetings of the council were held in this building from 1775 to 1784.
The governor's experience in provisioning and his knowledge of supply locations throughout the region served him well when called upon by General Washington for supplies for the Continental Army.
Military leaders who were known to have met with the governor and council here in this building were: Generals George Washington, Henry Knox, Israel Putnam, Samuel Parsons, Joseph Spencer, and Jedidiah Huntington; and French allies, Marquis de Lafayette, Count Rochambeau Marquis de Chastellux and Duc de Lauzun.
The War Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has been owned and maintained by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution since 1891.
Erected 1932.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 41° 38.259′ N, 72° 12.942′ W. Marker is in Lebanon, Connecticut, in New London County. Marker is at the intersection of West Town Street and Exeter Road (Connecticut Route 207), on the left when traveling north on West Town Street. Located across from the Lebanon Green. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 149 West Town Street, Lebanon CT 06249, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The War Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Trumbull Birthplace (about 500 feet away); Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (about 600 feet away); Liberty Hill Church Bell (about 800 feet away); Old Lebanon Meeting House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Lebanon War Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Founding of Lebanon, Connecticut (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lebanon Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lebanon.
Also see . . . The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. (Submitted on October 22, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on January 6, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on October 22, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 2. submitted on October 6, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 22, 2016, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.