A house built by George Washington’s bodyguard
Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill
Westport’s Revolutionary Stories
113 Reed Road, Head of Westport MA
A small plaque located at 113 Reed Road commemorates the military service of Robert Cottle during the American Revolution. Cottle enlisted in 1775 and participated in many of the pivotal events of the war: the retreat from Long Island, the battle of Ticonderoga, the capture of Burgoyne, Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78, storming of Stoney Point and the capture of General Cornwallis at Yorktown VA. He served as a bodyguard for George Washington, who cited him for the Medal of Honor for faithful service. After the war, Cottle settled in Martha’s Vineyard. In 1815 he came to Westport and built his home at 113 Reed Road. He died in 1845.
The plaque, erected in 1940 by the Quequechan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, reads:
Revolutionary Soldier Captain Robert Cottle
1758 – 1845
Member of staff of General Washington
Recommended by him for Medal of Honor also for a pension.
Living descendants at the time included Mrs. Herbert Manchester, her sister Mrs. John H. Bryant and their aunt Miss Harriet Baker.
Robert Cottle plaque