Major General Baron de Kalb: the introduction.

Mark Schneider, Colonial Williamsburg's Marquis de Lafayette, often (almost always) mentions Major General Baron de Kalb when he is on stage sharing Lafayette's story. He credits de Kalb as a man 'most responsible' for his being active in the American cause. There's so much that can be written about the Marquis, the Baron, and countless others who lived during the Revolutionary War era.

Therefore, I'll approach this blog post the way I usually do: giving you a taste of history that will at the least: give you pause and appreciation for the topic. And, at most: inspire a deeper dive! (Don't worry- you'll get links to kickstart said dive!)

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

RELATED: Click here for information about Mark Schneider's work related to the Marquis de Lafayette.

Mark Schneider as Lafayette, Williamsburg, Virginia

Who is the Baron de Kalb?

Researching Baron de Kalb: the why and the how.

There are numerous martyrs for the American cause who I want to learn more about- and share with the world. By martyr, I mean someone who gave their life early on - dying before they could experience the American Independence they believed in and see a United States of America.

Humans who had an impact on our nation's founding, but whose names faded with the sunset.

First up in my quest: Johann von Robais, Baron de Kalb, born Johann Kalb.

In researching this man who left Europe to serve under George Washington, I ran across a YouTube video from Free History. I gained insight to de Kalb.

For me, the value lay of this video in the opening few minutes of the program. The host said-- straight up-- the amount of primary source resources available on Baron de Kalb is limited. Very limited.

RELATED: Open the YouTube video in a new tab to view later.

This lack of primary-sourced information leaves much to speculation. What has been written- accounts from the 19th century-- were penned long after the American Revolutionary War ended, and many of those who were around no longer were.

Mark offered me guidance for my trips to the library, and I will be diving deeper- rest assured. Colonial Williamsburg's John D. Rockefeller Library (open to the public!) holds the key to much of my research.

Today, let's set the groundwork for future deep-dives.

RELATED: My trip to Yorktown to get photos and find out more about the Southern Campaign during which Baron de Kalb was killed.

Entrance to the John D. Rockefeller Libary

Meet Baron de Kalb- the bullet points!

• though Baron de Kalb and the Marquis de Lafayette were close, their relationship was more mentor/mentee as de Kalb was much older
• de Kalb was born to German peasants, worked hard to be well-educated, learning both French and English
• records show de Kalb in French military service- he fought in the Seven Years War and achieved an officer's rank
• he married the daughter of a retired cloth merchant- basically a textile heiress- named Anna Elizabeth van Robias and around this time adopted the title of Baron, moving in the social circles of the French aristocracy
• by the 1770s he'd been out of the military- he is noted to have been a French spy and ultimately
• like the Marquis de Lafayette, he met American agent Silas Deane who handed them promissory notes to become Major Generals in the Continental Army
• Lafayette purchased the sailing ship La Victoire, which both men boarded to America in 1777
• ultimately, Baron de Kalb died at Camden, South Carolina - as 2nd in command of the southern campaign and up against Lord Cornwallis himself

Southern campaign on display, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Finding gold.

One thing I love about this new life immersing myself in history: the bread crumbs dropped at every single performance, every lecture, and found wandering a museum or historic site.

The trail I follow never ceases to lead to gold. And now I'll toss a few breadcrumbs your way.

Click here dive deeper into the detail of Baron de Kalb's military experience with the Continental Army, shared on the United States Army's official website.

Click here to find visitor information for his tomb and memorial in Camden, South Carolina. When the Marquis de Lafayette returned to America for his 1824-25 tour, he visited.

Click here to download the ExploreHere app I use on the road to find historical markers related to people and events of the Colonial era.

And think about Baron de Kalb when you run across a DeKalb County, city, or street name in our United States. Likely, he's the namesake.

More calls to action.

1) Read more posts on this blog related to Major General the Marquis de Lafayette:

• click here for the post I wrote as we kicked off the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's farewell tour in America
• click here for my book review of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States (then read the book!)

2) Book a tour with me and specify your interest- be it on locations in Williamsburg connected to the Marquis, the Revolutionary War era, the people whose names aren't well-known, or simply--- an introduction to this fantastic place I call home: Williamsburg, Virginia.

3) Book a call with me to discuss a curated itinerary for Colonial Williamsburg and the region!

Street sign, Colonial Williamsburg

Closing words from history.

This small excerpt is the opening from General de Kalb's aide-de-camp at Camden to George Washington. A few things to note and reasons to open my source, Founders Archives, in a new tab.

The letter to Hamilton is 'unidentified,' and Founders Archives shares notes following the letter about Dubuysson's experience. Wounded, taken prisoner, and attempting to honor de Kalb's wishes while remaining loyal to the American cause.

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.