The Germans had engulfed the whole of the Ardennes region and the city of Bastogne sat at the center of the occupied region. The German army’s goal was to advance to Antwerp, to cut off the supply route and separate British from American troops, so Bastogne was a prize the Allies wanted to defend at all costs.
These military barracks are now remembered in history for the place where the decisive strategic decisions were made leading to the turning point in the Battle of the Bulge. It was from this headquarters that the US Commander, General McAuliffe, issued the now famous reply of 'Nuts' to the German surrender ultimatum. Four days later, General George C. Patton broke the siege and three weeks later, the Americans had won the battle.