Stilwell Musum, Chongqing Attraction
Introdution
The Stilwell Museum is a museum in Yuzhong District of Chongqing. It is the former residence of General Joseph W. Stilwell, the Allied Chief of Staff in the China Theater during World War II. The building opened as a museum in 1994 and is run by the Chongqing Municipal Government. Financial support for the Museum is provided by the Joseph W. Stilwell Institute Foundation Ltd. a US tax-exempt foundation.
History & Background
During World War II General Joseph Stilwell, known to his men as "Vinegar Joe", was the Allied Chief of Staff in the China Theater of Operations. He arrived in Chongqing on March 4, 1942. Stilwell was in charge of the United States' Lend-Lease policy with Chinese forces and had an acrimonious relationship with Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek, who he derisively called "Peanut." His low regard for Chiang, and positive words towards the Communist forces, contributed to his high standing in the People's Republic of China.
Located in Stilwell's former residence and headquarters, the museum comprises a three-storied house furnished in 1940's style. In the courtyard there is an engraving of a speech by American President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The building opened as a museum in 1994 and is run by the Chongqing Municipal Government. Financial support for the Museum is provided by the Joseph W. Stilwell Institute Foundation Ltd. a US tax-exempt foundation. The Museum was renovated and reopened in March 2003. The renovation was funded by the Freeman Foundation in Vermont, USA. Addition financial support is provided by Stilwell Innovation Enterprises and the Stilwell International Innovation Center.
General Stilwell's Achievement
General Stilwell's military career was unusual, since he relatively rarely ordered his own troops. However, he spoke fluent Chinese and Japanese, so that he was the only general in the U.S. Armed Forces who was able to coordinate the Chinese-American military alliance against Japan as the chief of staff alongside Chiang Kai-shek. When the first fighting broke out in Burma, Stilwell was promoted to commander.
He commanded the pioneers, who built roads and bridges, but also the "Flying Tigers", the well-known volunteer reservist squadron that ensured the transport of supplies and fought against the Japanese. (Incidentally, the museum is located just across the street from the Flying Tigers Exhibition Hall, a slightly more commercial exhibition and bazaar hall on Flying Tigers.)
Travel Guide
Admission Fee: CNY 15
Address: No. 63, Jialingxin Road, Yuzhong District
Opening Hours: 9:00AM-17:00PM
How to get there:
Take metro line 2, get off at Fotu Station, and walk around 50m, you can reach there.