Scenes Before and After the War

During the winter of 1777–1778 Washington and the army camped at Valley Forge. In this panel, representatives from the Continental Congress – civilians dressed in good winter clothing – meet with Washington, also in warm clothing. On the right stand injured, hungry, poorly dressed enlisted soldiers, some with their feet wrapped In rags. Washington points to his troops’ clothing and feet to demonstrate their desperate need for more financial support. Class privilege is evident here too, for Washington supplied his own clothing while the troops were dependent on government aid.

Look up! This panel is on the ceiling between the panels at right and left. Alas, an infrastructure pipe was added during a later renovation.

This panel shows two rank-and-file Continental Army soldiers on the left accepting the surrender of a Hessian mercenary at Yorktown (1781).

With the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Yorktown, Washington bids farewell to the Army and to his officers before returning to civilian life. 

The two officers most visible represent the Marquis de Lafayette (French) in front, and Baron von Steuben (German) just behind him, partially visible Casimir Pulaski (Poland) and an unidentified fourth, emphasizing the colonists’ dependence on foreign assistance.

Look up! This panel is on the ceiling between the panels at right and left.

A tired President Washington is mediating between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, his leading Cabinet officers, over the proper interpretation of the new Constitution which lies on the table before them.

This panel suggests that Washington’s mother Mary was dying at the time he was elected President and that he was torn about having to leave her. According to the story, which may be apocryphal, his mother urged him to accept the presidency. Washington’s wife Martha and an enslaved woman (possibly Oney Judge) watches the exchange.

Look up! The panel of Lady Liberty placing 13 new stars in the heavens is on the ceiling between the panels at left and right. Campus' biggest secret is censored here, but not on site.

As president, Washington encouraged Congress to create a national university. After leaving the presidency, he continued to promote the need for the university by donating stock shares of the Potomac River Company for its formation. These plans did not materialize, but demonstrates his commitment to the importance of education.