Baron von Steuben Transformed Continental Army While Living Openly With Young Male Companions

The Prussian officer who professionalized the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Baron von Steuben, lived openly with two handsome young officers in their early twenties, Benjamin Walker and William North, whom he adopted as heirs. Historians note this was a common practice for gay men in the 18th century to formalize relationships. Despite arriving with suspiciously handsome young aides and being discharged from the Prussian Army under murky circumstances, his sexuality did not prevent him from becoming a founding father and American citizen.