- #1
SW VandeCarr
- 2,199
- 81
King of Prussia is located in suburban Philadelphia near Valley Forge. Its name referrers to Frederick the Great, but I suggest the town is misnamed. Any intended gratitude for helping to save the Continental Army in the American War of Independence should be directed to Frederick von Steuben, a former Prussian Army officer who helped Washington drill and discipline the ragged and depleted Continental Army in order to create a reasonably effective military force. Arguably,von Steuben was instrumental in saving the American cause, then at its lowest ebb. But what does this have to do with Frederick the Great? Prussia and Britain had been allies in the Seven Years War and would be allies again in the Napoleonic Wars. There does not seem to be any reason why the Prussian king would want to support the rebels against Britain in this war. Von Steuben was a free agent at this time and received a commission in the Continental Army. His service was arranged by Benjamin Franklin in Europe, who mistakenly thought he was a baron in the Prussian aristocracy.
Therefore, I recommend that the good people of King of Prussia, PA change the name of their town (and shopping mall) to von Steubenville and get on the right side of history. In any case, "King of Prussia" has to be the strangest name for an American town of any I've ever heard. Comments (especially from the locals)?
Therefore, I recommend that the good people of King of Prussia, PA change the name of their town (and shopping mall) to von Steubenville and get on the right side of history. In any case, "King of Prussia" has to be the strangest name for an American town of any I've ever heard. Comments (especially from the locals)?
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