What happened at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777?
In December, 1777, General George Washington moved the Continental Army to their winter quarters at Valley Forge. Though Revolutionary forces had secured a pivotal victory at Saratoga in September and October, Washington’s army suffered defeats at Brandywine, Paoli, and Germantown, Pennsylvania.
What was Valley Forge for kids?
Valley Forge was an important place during the course of the American Revolution. It was where the Continental Army set up camp during the harsh winter of 1777–78. Valley Forge is an area in Pennsylvania, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia.
What happened at Valley Forge 1777?
On December 19th, 1777, 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children marched into Valley Forge and began to build what essentially became the fourth largest city in the colonies at the time, with 1,500 log huts and two miles of fortifications.
What was winter like at Valley Forge?
The low in January reached 12 Degrees and February was 16 Degrees. The troops arrived at Valley Forge on the 19th of December and eight days later, the deepest single snow of the season fell, which was followed by the severest cold. They were plagued by boughts of cold, which would thaw and then refreeze.
Why was winter at Valley Forge important?
Despite the brutal conditions, Valley Forge was significant because Washington used the time to improve his army. Troops drilled daily under the tutelage of a Prussian officer, Baron von Steuben, who implemented a system of standardized military training that enhanced the fighting capacity of the Continental Army.
What was Valley Forge and why was it important?
Valley Forge was where the American Continental Army made camp during the winter of 1777-1778. It was here that the American forces became a true fighting unit. Valley Forge is often called the birthplace of the American Army.
What is Valley Forge famous for?
Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation.
Where was winter at Valley Forge?
Valley Forge
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge/Location
What are some important facts about Valley Forge?
The army at the Valley Forge Encampment constructed over two miles of breastworks, 6 redans, and 5 redoubts. 25 bake ovens were built to supply the army daily with 10,000-12,000 loaves of bread. There were approximately 1,300 huts in the encampment along with other shelters and sheds for supplies and animals.
Why was it called Valley Forge?
Valley Forge received its name from the iron forge that was constructed along Valley Creek, next to current PA 252, in the 1740s. A sawmill and grist mill had been built by the time of the encampment, making the area an important supply base for the American fighters.
What are 3 facts about Valley Forge?
Valley Forge was not the coldest winter of the Revolution.
What are some important facts about the winter at Valley Forge?
Due to shortages of food, lack of proper hygiene, sanitation, and medical knowledge of the time, over 2,000 soldiers perished during the winter. From scurvy to smallpox, dysentery, and other maladies, one out of every six soldiers that marched into Valley Forge in December did not march back out in June.
What caused Valley Forge?
Valley Forge was chosen for many reasons. Here are a few: The British were occupying Philadelphia for the winter. The American Army needed to keep an eye on them and prevent them from foraging in the countryside for food they needed.
Why was the winter at Valley Forge significant?
Why is the winter at Valley Forge important?
The particularly severe winter of 1777-1778 proved to be a great trial for the American army, and of the 11,000 soldiers stationed at Valley Forge, hundreds died from disease. However, the suffering troops were held together by loyalty to the Patriot cause and to General Washington, who stayed with his men.
What happened at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777?
The following excerpt from The Valley Forge Winter discusses the width and breadth of the American Army’s encampment during the winter of 1777-1778. With Valley forge as a headquarters, the Army encircled British-occupied Philadelphia.
Why did Washington choose to make the winter camp at Valley Forge?
George Washington chose to make the winter camp at Valley Forge for several reasons. First, it was close to Philadelphia where the British were camping for the winter. He could keep an eye on the British and protect the people of Pennsylvania.
What were the conditions like at Valley Forge?
During the six months Washington kept the Continental Army camped at Valley Forge, conditions were terrible. It was winter. Men were housed in crude log cabins. Food, medicine, and clothing were in short supply. The men were cold and hungry, and many were sick. They missed their families.
What is the Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Major portions of the original camp are now part of the Valley Forge National Historical Park. It includes Washington’s headquarters, re-creations of log huts, various monuments, and Washington’s Memorial Chapel.