Noble Blood: "The Drillmaster of Valley Forge"
Host: Dana Schwartz
Date: August 26, 2025
Podcast: Noble Blood (iHeartPodcasts & Grim & Mild)
Overview
In this episode, Dana Schwartz tells the story of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben—the Prussian nobleman whose transformative military training at Valley Forge was key to the American Revolutionary War victory. Dana explores von Steuben’s journey from European notoriety to American hero, highlighting his crucial role in shaping the Continental Army and his significance as both an immigrant and a queer man in early American history. The episode also connects von Steuben’s legacy to modern celebrations, such as the Steuben Day Parade in Chicago, famously featured in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Main Topics & Key Discussion Points
1. Arrival at Valley Forge and Dire Conditions
[01:00 – 06:00]
- Baron von Steuben’s arrival at Valley Forge in February 1778 was met with “excitement” but also immediate exposure to the abysmal state of the Continental Army: starvation, disease, lack of supplies, and rampant disorganization.
- Quote:
"In a letter written that winter, Washington described the conditions as little less than a famine. ... 2,000 men had already succumbed to hunger, typhoid, or dysentery." (03:40–04:20)
2. Baron von Steuben’s European Origins
[06:00 – 13:00]
- Von Steuben was born into Prussian minor nobility and trained in one of the most advanced military cultures of the era, boasting a direct connection to Frederick the Great.
- His career stalled in Europe due to courtly intrigues and persistent rumors concerning his sexuality.
- Quote:
“He was rumored to have had same sex sexual interactions... the Baron was raised in a space that encouraged same-sex relationships.” (10:40–11:55)
- European openness (in Frederick’s Prussia) contrasted with American and wider European intolerance.
3. Journey to America and Initial Frustrations
[13:00 – 17:00]
- After years of drifting, von Steuben was encouraged (with some embellished credentials) to join the Continental Army.
- Benjamin Franklin first refused his commission due to oversaturation of foreign officers, but French allies lobbied successfully on his behalf.
- Upon arrival, he was quickly assigned to Valley Forge as a training specialist, at the exact moment he was needed most.
4. Diagnosis and Transformation of the Continental Army
[17:00 – 35:00]
- Von Steuben spent his first three weeks observing the camp, earning awe from the soldiers—“a perfect personification of Mars.”
"Never before or since have I had such an impression of the ancient, fabled God of war as when I looked on the baron... a perfect personification of Mars." — Pvt. Ashville Green (21:08)
- Identified severe discipline and organizational deficiencies; poor bayonet skills, confusion over numbers, lack of supply chain management.
- Von Steuben's methodology: train a model company of 100 men, who then became instructors for their regiments.
- Cultural difference insight:
"You say to your soldier, do this, and he doeth it. But I am obliged to say to the American soldier, this is the reason why you ought to do that. And then he does it.” (24:35)
- His profanity and theatrics were memorable morale boosters.
5. Immediate Results and Accolades
[35:00 – 42:00]
- Within weeks, the Continental Army saw transformative improvements in discipline, morale, and confidence.
- Training culminated in a major military demonstration for French allies, impressing all and marking a turning point.
"The plan as formed by Baron von Steuben succeeded in every particular. It was a resounding success..." — John Laurens (38:50)
- Shortly after, von Steuben was made official Inspector General—a title he cherished.
6. Legacy: The Blue Book and Lasting Impact
[42:00 – 45:30]
- Von Steuben wrote the "Blue Book," the foundational drill manual for the US Army, still referenced in parts today.
“Talk about a pretty big impact. ... Portiions of the Blue Book are still used in the army’s manual today.” (45:02)
- Played a pivotal command role at Yorktown and received Washington’s heartfelt final commendation.
“I wish to make use of this last moment of my public life to signify in the strongest terms my entire approbation of your conduct and to express my sense of the obligations the public is under to you for your faithful and meritorious services.” — George Washington (47:15)
7. Queer Identity and Personal Life
[45:30 – 52:00]
- Von Steuben never married, instead living with a succession of close male companions, who modern historians agree were likely romantic/sexual partners.
- Explains relationship structures: romantic mentorship, romantic friendship, erotic employment.
- Von Steuben’s relationships with Benjamin Walker, William North, John Mulligan, and Mitchell are discussed.
“The vast majority of American history scholars would agree that von Steuben was gay, although it’s important to remember that is a more modern term and not one that he would have identified with.” (48:02)
- Addresses silence or erasure of queer histories, emphasizing that immigrants and queer people have always been part of the American story.
8. Modern Legacy and Steuben Day Parade
[52:00 – 58:30]
- Von Steuben's impact remains underrecognized, but his name and statues are found across the US.
- The Steuben Day Parade, especially in Chicago, celebrates German-American heritage and is immortalized in the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off parade scene.
“With Ferris on the float, our dancers in lederhosen, and throughout the crowd, the people are waving tons of American flags... all of these somewhat random elements make sense when you learn that this is the Van Steuben Day Parade.” (54:40)
- Historical tidbit: The actual parade for the movie was the 1985 Von Steuben Day Parade; most parade-goers had no idea they were part of a film shoot.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Baron von Steuben would practically save the Continental Army and be a major factor in allowing the colonists to win the American Revolution.” (05:45)
- “He recognized that they were different from soldiers in European armies, not serfs or subjects, but citizens with a stake in this upstart country.” (23:45)
- “Despite many claims that George Washington and Benjamin Franklin knew of von Steuben's preferences before he arrived at Valley Forge, the research doesn't really surface a lot of evidence to demonstrate that.” (49:56)
- On LGBTQ+ erasure:
“Queer people and immigrants have always been integral to the American story and to the success of the ideals America was founded upon.” (51:35)
- Explanation of the Ferris Bueller/Steuben Day connection:
"They were just in downtown Chicago one September day to celebrate the drill master of Valley Forge, our very own Baron von Steuben." (57:45)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:00–01:00]: Introduction, episode setup
- [01:00–06:00]: Valley Forge conditions, first impressions
- [06:00–13:00]: Von Steuben’s European background and sexuality
- [17:00–21:00]: Observing the army, gaining trust
- [24:00–30:00]: Drill instruction methodology and cultural observations
- [35:00–38:50]: The pivotal demonstration for French allies
- [45:00–47:00]: The Blue Book and Washington’s letter
- [48:00–52:00]: Discussion of von Steuben’s postwar life and sexuality
- [54:00–58:00]: Steuben Day Parades, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, enduring legacy
Tone & Style
- Narrative-driven, with a focus on vivid historical storytelling and nuanced discussion of sexuality.
- Dana Schwartz combines accessible language with wry, insightful commentary and occasional asides to engage both history buffs and general listeners.
Summary
This episode stands as a compelling testament to the complex diversity at America’s roots: a queer, immigrant nobleman who drilled a struggling army into shape and helped win the Revolutionary War, leaving a mark that extends from statutes and parades to foundational military doctrine. Schwartz’s engaging narrative and research illuminate von Steuben’s personal challenges, military genius, and the overlooked essentiality of marginalized figures in shaping history.