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George Washington's
Bastille Key
"The Liberty Key"
Courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Love liberty? Want to keep it? Learn from history about
what works. Here's a book about contending political strategies in the form of an exciting tale of two
revolutions, the men who made them,
and the key (now a national treasure) that connected them.
Follow the fight for freedom
–
an idea whose time had come
–
taking two different paths, with
two dramatically different outcomes:
one a "shining city upon a hill" as a "beacon of hope," the other a mountain of
severed heads above a vengeance-filled river of blood in a "Reign of Terror."
"Definitely the Key Book about
George Washington!" – a best-seller at Mount Vernon
The amazing story of how George Washington came by his Key "of" Liberty
...and his wise counsel on
the Key "to" Liberty that has made America great!*
This highly insightful book links Mount Vernon's Bastille Key (and its tortuous travels through
bloody, revolutionary France) to George
Washington's
character
and his advice on the three key, crucial, and indispensable conditions for
freedom to survive and thrive: "Character, Culture, Constitution."TM
Discover the amazing magic of George Washington's Liberty Key, Mount Vernon's Bastille Key, in this wonderfully crafted history book!
Best-seller at Mount Vernon: Copies
with author-signed bookplates now available at the Shops at Mount Vernon
If the book appears to be temporarily stocked-out, consider
calling 703-799-8691 (on-line store) or 703-799-6301 (the Shops in-store)
or consider
George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key - the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
Amazon print-version $17.90 Kindle $7.90 Distributor/Bookstore discounts
This book shines a bright light on the most interesting key ever made – America's premier
symbol of liberty's victory over tyranny – which now
hangs in the central passageway of George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion,
helping to greet over a million visitors a year. The main key to the
Bastille prison in Paris, it was given in 1790 to Washington, the patriarch of
liberty, by his missionary, the Marquis de Lafayette, who took the “sacred fire
of liberty" he discovered in America and tried to fan its flames in France.
Become a history detective and uncover how this unique key was made, how the
man who made it helped kill a king, and how it made its way to Mount Vernon.
Along the way, experience the fascinating twists and turns made
in unlocking the doors hiding the truth about the key, which some have (incorrectly)
argued is a counterfeit. Then distill what Washington and Lafayette each
believed was the “key” to establishing and maintaining liberty, and what went
right and wrong in their respective revolutions. Finally, learn how the
key continues to inspire a world-wide devotion to freedom – with Washington's
personal challenge to you.
So, should we care that the Mount Vernon Bastille key is, in Lafayette’s words,
“the main key to the Bastille…the fortress of despotism”? Yes, we should
care, because some, not the least of which was the French Count Chateaubriand,
who witnessed the storming of the Bastille and later saw George Washington’s key
in Philadelphia, thought it was a fraud. Called the “greatest character of
the age” by British King George III, was Washington, the man who made America
great with his genius of character,
the victim of a hoax? Should he have believed Lafayette, his “adopted son”
and most fervent fan, that this was not only a Bastille key but its main key?
How do we know how this “main key,” if that’s what it was, survived the chaos
and pandemonium of the revolutionary attack on the Bastille in 1789 Paris to
make its way into Lafayette’s hands and thence, over a tortuous trip of 4,000
statute miles in 1790,
to Washington in New York City? And why might Lafayette not
have substituted a larger, more impressive-looking key such as the one he gave
decades later to Washington’s Masonic Lodge [National Memorial] in Alexandria,
Virginia? If it’s not the real "main key," have “We the People,” the tens
of millions of visitors to Mount Vernon over the years, been fooled? And
has George Washington, our preeminent Founding Father, who above all aspired to
be an honest man, been an unwitting participant in such fraud? “Forbid it,
Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for
me, I'd recommend getting a 'lock' on it by reading George Washington's Liberty Key!"
Current version 1.14 March 2020
"Pin it for later"
Author Bill Bahr introduces and brings to life FerrousTM the key and his improbable journey from the iron foundries of 18th century France to a Bastille prison gate and finally to the entrance hall of George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. In this book, follow FerrousTM to learn what the best history work can tell about the truth behind what Mount Vernon tour-guides have called “George Washington’s Liberty Key”! FerrousTM once represented tyranny and oppression – synonymous with the fate of a prisoner condemned without trial or hope. Now FerrousTM stands for the idea of liberty, so cherished by George Washington – in his own words – "a token of victory gained by Liberty over Despotism." What a transformation!
It was the cost of the French and Indian War, ignited by George Washington and fought in the American colonies, which called forth the British taxes which led to the American revolt. It was France’s later aid to the American rebels which helped the colonies defeat England but which also emptied France’s treasury and contributed to the unrest leading to the French Revolution and after many a year to France’s own sustained freedom.
After the French
Revolution dismantled both the Bastille and France’s absolute monarchy, the
Marquis de Lafayette had FerrousTM presented to George Washington as a thank you
to the man who showed that freedom was possible. To fully comprehend the
magnitude of this symbolic gift requires one to understand the tremendous impact
that the success of the American Revolution had not only on the thirteen colonies but the whole
world and especially France, due in immeasurable part to the "indispensable man"
George Washington.
While helping Lafayette get FerrousTM from France to George
Washington in America,
Thomas Paine said, “That the principles of America opened the Bastille is
not to be doubted; and therefore the key comes to the right place.”
For more information about
FerrousTM
(the key "of" liberty), George Washington's ideas about the key "to" liberty,
and your important role in his vision, you have
come to the right place
–
this book! Buy it and let Washington and his key
inspire and challenge you for a better tomorrow!
$17.90
– a great price for a great year!
* From "The Mind" of
Washington and Lafayette
– "Character, Culture, Constitution"TM
(Honor, Country, Duty)
Author Bill Bahr
Bill Bahr is a retired telecommunications executive. A graduate of West Point, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, working in Germany, Cambodia (the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh), and Korea before moving into commercial telecommunications. Along with earning three masters degrees and two patents, Bill held marketing/sales directorships at major corporations. His work helped spark the revolution in facsimile machines and the build-out in cellular systems and the internet, with both Bill and his products receiving many public accolades. Now volunteering in a number of community service organizations, Bill is an active participant in Rotary, VFW, and CHARACTER COUNTS!, where he has served in various leadership roles. In his spare time, Bill unabashedly admires George Washington. The book “George Washington’s Liberty Key” is a result of Bill’s curiosity and extensive reading about Mount Vernon's Bastille key and the extraordinary, enabling, and ennobling character of George Washington. Other books by Bill Bahr: Strategy Pure and Simple: Essential Moves for Winning in Competition and Cooperation and Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life.
GWLK book located in room to the left of George Washington's bronze bust at main entrance to the Shops at
Mount Vernon
"We love your book, and it merchandises so well with our replica of the key to the Bastille!" —The Shops at Mount Vernon
Previous display locations
Copies with author-signed bookplate available at the Shops at Mount Vernon
(Book was on display to the immediate right after entering Shops at Mount Vernon
from the Mount Vernon Inn. If not there now, ask sales for new location.)
"Bits" of Praise from "Key" Readers
(in descending order received - latest is last)
"This
book must've taken years of researching and writing! I either didn't pay
too much attention in school or forgot it all, but I can tell you I learned (or
re-learned) something from every single chapter. Heck, I was in France a
few years
ago and didn't learn this much during all of the museum tours!"
– KG
"A genuine contribution to both American and lock & key histories!" – SK (antique lock & key expert)
"I recommend it. Very detailed...interesting if you like history. I enjoyed it very much!" – JA
"A masterpiece of historical fact. Fascinating and insightful rendering of little known artifact from the life of America's greatest statesman!" – KC
"An impressive book!" – JD
"Captivated from the moment I opened the book. It's really original to write a story from the perspective of the Key! A fun and interesting read. Kudos! – DG
"Fascinating! Just started reading this book, and I'm totally captivated." – AL
"I really enjoyed this book. The author does a terrific job of explaining the history of the Liberty Key, the French and American Revolutions and how they were all linked by the relationship of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Very entertaining and informative!" – FR
"Fascinating! The title of this book undersells the content. It is an outstanding historical perspective of the French Revolution and how it relates to the American Revolution and George Washington. Besides being an easy read, it provides an anthology of the events which were taking place at the time, and links the key figures related to the Bastille, the French Revolution and the American Revolution. The Key itself just forms the link surrounding all of the stories told. It offers a behind the scenes view which is not normally found in history books. I highly recommend this book!" – BD (architect)
"The narrator of this book is a totally relevant (yet inanimate) object. History has rarely been this exciting. In a fast-paced narrative, we learn in detail about two revolutions. More significantly, we gain key insights into why the American one succeeded and the French ones fizzled, repeatedly. Mr. Bahr takes us on a personal tour, from the back rooms of the Bastille and bowels of a blacksmith's shop to the Palace of Versailles and the stately rooms of George Washington's Mount Vernon home. Along the way, we learn the little known facts that shape history. Cleverly organized, the story unfolds in a way that's easy to follow and delightful to read." – SB
"This is an excellent book, well written, thoroughly and meticulously researched and very highly recommended, especially to those interested in early American history, the history of the French revolution and above all, that of the Bastille. The book is playfully appealing in that it is written in the third
person of the Bastille key. ... All in all, an excellent book, an engaging and enjoyable read!" – TL
"An amazing amount of research!" – EA
"I really enjoyed the book!" – PS
"Very impressive work and well illustrated!" – BD (lock and key expert)
"A truly fascinating study!" – DS (museum curator)
"Great job of making history come alive! ... If you love history, you love those pivotal moments, when the arch of history and the fate of entire nations are changed. July 14th, 1789, is the date when the Bastille prison fell and the Republic of France rose and the date marking one of those pivotal moments in history. But if you really love history, you love the great stories connected to those pivotal moments, stories that few of us have heard before. They sit there in the dark, dusty corners of the past until someone with special insights and a passion for storytelling shines a light on them and dusts them off for us all to see. Bill Bahr does exactly that with Liberty Key. I knew, or thought I knew, the story of the French Revolution but not with the detail that Bill uncovers. All the events leading up to, through and beyond July 14, 1789, are in this book, but the story of this key and how it came to Mount Vernon as a gift to and beloved possession of George Washington is the real gift Bill gives the reader." – ML
"A fascinating book about Mount Vernon's Bastille Key, its travels from Paris to Mount Vernon, VA, and why it is, indeed, the main key to the Bastille, despite various claims it isn't. Book also covers Washington's and Lafayette's thoughts about the key "to" liberty and the requirements to defend and keep it. Great as well as a ready-reference book, as it's packed full of fascinating facts and intriguing insights. Holds your interest with enlightening pictures and humorous puns, turning dry history into living adventure!" – IL
"Great book not about paczki, but maybe a pun(ch)-key? This solid, scholarly work on Bastille keys, especially the Mount Vernon Bastille Key, is liberally filled with puns, pictures, and most of all, highly interesting facts not easily found elsewhere, all of which bring history alive. The book mainly deals with the physics and philosophy of George Washington's Liberty Key: how it was made, what it did, how it found its way to Mount Vernon, what it meant to George Washington and Lafayette, what they each believed to be the essential requirements (key) for Liberty, how the Key has inspired a world-wide devotion to freedom, and much, much more, to include numerous new insights overturning many decades of incorrect but widely accepted beliefs about the Bastille and its main key. In a word: fascinating!" – MS
"Character Counts! A great book with deep research on interesting aspects of so many varied but related topics (to name just a few: key making, the Bastille, and the French Revolution). I especially liked the way the author developed Washington’s three key requirements for liberty: character, culture, and constitution, with everything resting on character. Super advice gleaned by analyzing the writings of the Father of our Country, the indispensable man who made our country great!" – MM
"What a treat...I can't put this book down!! The author has a wonderful sense of humor and clever insights on life! I can't wait to read it all...to the finish! This is the kind of historical take on life that I love! I can see how well done it is, and inclusive...questions, facts, photos, analysis...and I just got the book. And I just love it!!! I'll be buying extras for my friends that love real books... not just romance novels or gothic mysteries! This is a keen look and a long forgotten symbol of liberty, that too many, in fact all, of these last couple generations have no idea, that hard battles were ever fought for what they take for granted!!! – JH
"A fascinating book about Mount Vernon's Bastille Key, its travels from Paris to Mount Vernon, VA, and why it is, indeed, the main key to the Bastille, despite various claims it isn't. Book also covers Washington's and Lafayette's thoughts about the key "to" liberty and the requirements to defend and keep it. Great as well as a ready-reference book, as it's packed full of fascinating facts and intriguing insights. Holds your interest with enlightening pictures and humorous puns, turning dry history into living adventure!" – TB
"I really enjoyed this book! In investigating the history of the Mount Vernon Bastille key, it nicely develops a ready-reference guide to both the American and French revolutions. Encyclopedic in scope, it also provides interesting ancillary information, intriguing tidbits and insights about the items and individuals of the era. The pictures are excellent, the timelines very helpful, and the weblinks to more information (to include videos) outstanding. Thumbs-up and heads-up (not off) for this one!" – BK
"I just started the 'Liberty Key' and am fascinated by the 'story"...I can tell I am going to love it!" – JB
"Masterfully
Written, Educating and Entertaining!
I salute my West Point classmate for
providing us a diligently researched history of our historic 18th century
connection with the French. Bill's adaptation of using the Bastille Key as the
first person main character presenter is simply brilliant. The reader is drawn
into the story with bewilderment, anticipation and excitement, while always
being educated and introduced to fascinating little known facts. I highly
recommend this book to everyone of all ages. A GREAT READ!"
―Gary
Dolan, author, speaker, businessman, decorated combat veteran,
Hall-of-Fame Ranger, and inspirational leader
5
out of 5 stars
–
A Truly UNIQUE Book!
"A review of this book can be summed up in a single word--UNIQUE! As told by
Mount Vernon's Bastille key itself (yes, by the key), it provides an absorbing
look at the character of key leaders in the American and French Revolutions,
notably Washington and Lafayette. While the novel narrative traces the key's
historic travels from the perspective of the pun-slinging anthropomorphic iron
key, the research is serious and the content dense with illuminating facts. Half
a valuable reference source, half a fascinating story, fully recommended!"
―LTG Dave R. Palmer, premier military historian, US Army Lieutenant General
(ret), former Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point,
and
originator of Mount Vernon's theme: "George Washington, a Leader of
Character"!
"From
Washington to Palmer: 'The Story of Leaders of Character'"
Alternate View
"Good moral character is the first
essential in a man." —GW
Mount Vernon Museum and Education Center
"We love your book, and it merchandises so well with our replica of the key to the Bastille!" —The Shops at Mount Vernon
Discover the amazing magic of George Washington's Liberty Key, Mount Vernon's Bastille Key, in this wonderfully crafted history book!
More time than money? Put some of your local
"voluntary" tax money to good use by putting "Liberty" in your Library.
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people.... They are the only
sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
– Thomas
Jefferson. Ask your library to order a copy!
What's in your library? What's in your bookstore?
Scribbler's local library has filed the book under 973.3 BAH
(Biography and History > North America > United States > Revolution and
confederation (1775-89).
ISBN-10: 1537323377
ISBN-13: 978-1537323374
Current version 1.14 March 2020
The Key to the Bastille was sent to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette with the following words (17 March
1790):
Photograph of Bastille Key in Central Passage of Mount Vernon
Courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
The
Bastille Key at Mount Vernon
Courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies'
Association
If you bought one of
the keys above, you can easily "double its value" and "triple your
enjoyment" by reading
George
Washington's Liberty Key!
George Washington’s Liberty Key:
Mount Vernon's Bastille Key –
the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
"Character is Key for Liberty"
"'Ordered Liberty' is liberty under law – liberty (and concomitant progress) in its most sustainable form." – W. J. Bahr,
June 2018
Placemat version
Coffee cup version
Expresso Coffee Cup
$10 DIY (Do It Yourself) Standing Desk on
which "GWLK" was written
Mount Vernon
Chateau de Tarascon -- Brother to the
Bastille?
Facebook Pictures
Mount Vernon
Courtesy of Bernard K. Means
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Congress presents Lafayette with sword. He later used
its golden hilt
to replace rusted hilt from sword made of bolts from the Bastille.
Right middle scene
Key, drawing, mini-Bastille, and weathervane at Mount Vernon
Sorry, FerrousTM
is no relation to France's Scott Key,nor
is he connected to
Aleasha
Keys!
"Definitely the Key Book about George Washington!"
"Liberty Key" by W. J. Bahr
The main key was I, to the King’s Bastille,
Jailing his foes, through Letters of Seal.
So my fort’s end, by storm´ing
Came with pitchforks, one morn´ing,
That no longer, would free Frenchmen kneel!
Then to the Bastille, came the Marquis,
After they’d given him me, the Key.
Next off I went, to Washington´,
As tribute from, this adopted son´,
To thank the Father, of Liberty´!
For saving George’s Revolution –
Government form and resolution.
The key to keep our own freedom´?
“Character, Culture, Constitution!”
– FerrousTM, the Key
You may find just the interesting pictures and puns alone are worth the price of "tuition"! Yes, this book is so much pun!!
An educational read disguised as fun!
"Character, Culture, Constitution" TM
Book on display to the immediate right after entering Shops at Mount Vernon from the Mount Vernon Inn
Where you'll find alerts to new information items. Please "like" (rate or review) me (to include Amazon and everywhere else)! The Key
Click Here for Extra Supplements
to include height, length, and width (size) dimensions of the
Bastille
Size of the Bastille
Click on image above for link to article: Bastille Measurement:
Resurrecting the Dimensions of Despotism
or, for another, perhaps more accessible source,
click here.
Video of September 2019 effort to find Bastille
pavers during Plaza de la Bastille construction.
The rectangular stone pavers were being replaced with round metal
markers.
For those looking for recent commentary about the Bastille Key and its application to the Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, check out this article.
If you're interested in other historical items I've researched to help set stories straight,
Contact:
Our size of the Bastille Video: How big was the Bastille?
Link to more views of the Bastille
King Louis XVI Flight to Varennes The letter of grievances he laid on his bed before his departure.
Louis XVI
Déclaration de Louis XVI à tous les Français, à sa sortie de Paris
20 juin 1791
aka Déclaration du roi, adressée à tous les François, à sa sortie de Paris, traditionally known as the Testament politique de Louis XVI ("Political Testament of Louis XVI"),
English Translation by William J. Bahr
Declaration to the French People prepared by Louis XVI
2nd Virginia Regiment (Revolutionary War) West Point Lore
YouTubes
Be amazed at the Magic! Buy book @ Mount Vernon or @
Amazon.com:
George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key - the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
"
From Washington to Palmer: The Story of 'Leaders of Character'"
GWLK 8x10 Double-Matted 5x7 Reverse Silhouette Reproduction
$10 + $3.99 shipping/handling to US locations + applicable tax (TBD ~ $1)
or send check to
IBEX Systems
150 Greenfield Drive
Bloomingdale, IL 60108-3016
tel: 630 307-3634
Tie Tack or Brooch (large/small) with pin or clasp
$20 + $3.99 p/h
Mousepad and more at our Zazzle Store (Check for occasional sale discounts!)
Check out our leading liberty-leaning friends:
Every great book
needs a great bookmark and a sip of coffee.
The shots of (and in) mugs will make you smile, too. Ready, aim, click
(below)!
Liberty Key of D Tune
Note: Mount Rushmore "Character is Key for Liberty" is at bottom of Extra Supplements
Carl Ditters von
Dittersdorf - Symphony in C-major "La Prise de la Bastille"
An
excellent video summary: Maximilien Robespierre and the Reign of Terror
Best-seller at Mount Vernon: Copies
with author-signed bookplates now available at the Shops at Mount Vernon
If the book appears to be temporarily stocked-out,
consider calling 703-799-8691 (on-line store) or 703-799-6301 (the Shops
in-store)
or consider
George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key - the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
Amazon print-version $17.90 Kindle $7.90 Distributor/Bookstore discounts
"Exitus acta probat" – the meaning of George Washington's family motto
<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/William_Bahr">William Bahr on ResearchGate</a>
BAHR Products
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William J. Bahr
"No punishment, in my opinion, is too great for the man who
can 'build his greatness upon his country's ruin.'" — George Washington
"Arbitrary power [tyranny, dictatorship] is most easily established on the
ruins of liberty abused to [lawlessness,
Revolutionary War and Strategy Amazon.com Book Reviews
Copyright, W. Bahr, 2015-2023
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