what was valley forge and why was it important?

Contrary to popular myth, the Continental soldiers marching in to Valley Forge, were not downtrodden just exhausted and ill-supplied. [11] In addition to suggestions from his officers, Washington also had to contend with the recommendations of politicians. Why is it called Valley Forge? As he fought to maintain his position as the Commander-in-Chief, Washington received key support from several officers. Campaign1776 piece on Valley Forge produced in partnership with Mount Vernon, Washington ordered his soldiers to build wooden huts for themselves, twelve by twelve feet each, and then search the countryside for straw to use as bedding. Von Steuben taught the soldiers new military skills and to fight as a unified army. Shortages of clothing did cause severe hardship for a number of men, but many soldiers had a full uniform. Valley Forge was the first winter encampment where many thousands of men had to build their own huts. Within this civilian climate, the army was able to stabilize its situation and concentrate on a much-needed training program. In turn, this made the troops appear more professional and disciplined. The army buried the soldiers who died in these out-of-the-way care facilities in church graveyards adjacent to the hospitals. Martha was one of many important women at Valley Forge. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. [50][51], By Spring of 1778, Wappinger, Oneida and Tuscarora warriors who were on the side of the Patriots, with prominent Oneida leader Joseph Louis Cook of the St. Regis Mohawk among them, had joined the Americans at Valley Forge. As Washington explained, if the army was farther away, then "many of our friends would be exposed to all the miseries of the most insulting and wanton depredation."1. Stream American Revolution documentaries and your favorite HISTORY series, commercial-free. Outbreaks of typhoid and dysentery spread through contaminated food and water. What was Valley Forge and why is it important? George Washington, "General Orders, December 17, 1777," Ibid., 168. Cold and starvation at Valley Forge were not even the most dangerous threats: diseases proved to be the biggest killer. The British succeeded in stealing supplies and burning a few buildings. [24] Washington chose the area partly for its strategic benefits, but wintertime road conditions impeded supply wagons on route to the encampment.[25]. George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam 9 October 1777. The encampment was primarily situated along the high, flat ground east of Mount Joy and south of the Schuylkill River. 3 Why did soldiers leave Valley Forge? Years later, Lafayette recalled that "the unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything; they had neither coats, hats, shirts, nor shoes; their feet and legs froze till they had become almost black, and it was often necessary to amputate them. [29] Perishable foods began to rot before reaching the troops because of poor storage, transportation problems, or confusion regarding the supplies' whereabouts. What was Valley Forge come to symbolize for Americans? Realizing that the army existed at only a portion of its authorized strength, Congress consolidated regiments and created a more streamlined force. It would be difficult to imagine a scenario in which the leader of a popular revolution stood by while his men froze and starved. By December 12, Washington made his decision to encamp at Valley Forge. Only Washingtons bold Christmas night 1776 crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent victories at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, saved the cause from disaster. Washington picked the spot because it was close enough to keep an eye on British troops sheltering in Philadelphia, yet far enough away to prevent a surprise attack on his own Continental Army. Washington related how his commanders had just exerted themselves with some difficulty to quell a "dangerous mutiny" fomenting, because of the lack of provision. Considering these questions, an encampment at Valley Forge had notable advantages. [15] In addition to a concentration of soldiers at Valley Forge, Washington ordered nearly 2,000 soldiers to encamp at Wilmington, Delaware. The success of Valley Forge also can be measured in longer-term gains. Largely thanks to capital improvements made by John Potts and his family over the following decades, the small community expanded the ironworks, established mills, and constructed new dwellings for residents. General George Washington - George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Continental Army enters winter camp at Valley Forge - HISTORY Philadelphia was back under patriot control. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. While the winter of 1777-1778 wasnt exceptionally cold, many soldiers lacked proper clothing, which left them unfit to serve. Washington chose Valley Forge as the winter encampment for his 11,000 men along with approximately 500 women and children who accompanied them for several reasons. Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year's battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. The Iron Making Exhibit at Valley Forge. The committee emerged from the Valley Forge meeting with a better understanding of the logistical difficulties Washington faced and more sympathetic to the armys requirements. As they marched through south and central New Jersey on their way to New York City, the British destroyed property and confiscated supplies and food, inspiring growing enmity among the area's civilians. In addition to the huts, the men built miles of trenches, military roads and paths. Much of the credit goes to former Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben. 'and cheers and a shout of 'God Save the American States! He asked von Steuben . Most of the land had previously been cleared for agriculture, leaving a level plateau in an open, rolling landscape. The encampment at Valley Forge took place from December 19, 1777 through June 19, 1778 and served as winter quarters for General George Washington 's Continental Army. [63] France and the United States subsequently signed a treaty on February 6, 1778, creating a military alliance between the two countries. Washington directed that each hut measure approximately 14 feet by 16 feet. Some patients might have suffered from more than one ailment. What happened at Valley Forge and why was it important? Valley Forge | Battle, PA, Date, Definition, National Park, & Facts On 22 December, Martha Washington predicted that her husband would send for her as soon as his army went into winter quarter, and that "if he does I must go. These reforms in supply systems and fighting tactics, along with reforms in military hygiene and army organization, became the foundation of the modern United States Army. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial HighwayMount Vernon, Virginia 22121. The British soon evacuated Philadelphia and headed north to defend their stronghold in New York City, and on June 19, 1778, Washingtons troops marched out of Valley Forge in pursuit. Men from far flung geographical areas were exposed to sicknesses from which they had little immunity. By the time of Valley Forge, however, most Americans realized that the Revolution would be a long, drawn-out affair. The establishment of Valley Forge as a memorial provides a place where generations of Americans have had the opportunity to discover and admire the Continental Armys sacrifices and achievements and to participate in commemoration of this history. Army records suggest that each soldier received a daily ration of one-half pound of beef during January 1778, but food shortages during February left the men without meat for several days at a time. Valley Forge was demographically, militarily, and politically an important crossroads in the Revolutionary War. One anonymous letter in January 1778 disparaged Washington: "The proper methods of attacking, beating, and conquering the Enemy has never as yet been adapted by the Commander in Chief. Scabies broke out because of the filthy conditions within the encampment, as did other deadlier ailments. Military historian John B. Even under the most trying conditions, including his army's winter encampments, Washington remained with his soldiers. "The March to Valley Forge" by William Trego, 1883. The army placed the 2,000-odd huts in parallel lines, and according to one officer, the camp had the appearance of a little city when viewed from a distance. Several senior officers in the Continental Army originally came from France, Prussia, Poland, Ireland, and Hungary. Washington described Valley Forge as "a dreary kind of place and uncomfortably provided." Likewise, patriotism did not peak during the relatively short six-month period at Valley Forge. [7] Settlers of German and Swedish descent also lived nearby. (4,000 words. A precursor to vaccination (introduced by Edward Jenner in 1798), inoculation gave the patient a milder form of smallpox with better recovery rates than if the patient had acquired the disease naturally. "George Washington to Henry Laurens, January 31, 1778," Ibid., 410. He complained of a "malignant faction," led by Horatio Gates, the hero of Saratoga, Thomas Mifflin, the nation's former Quartermaster General, and Thomas Conway, a French soldier of Irish descent, who had recently been named to the Board of War by Congress.5 They had been given the authority to oversee the war effort on equal terms with the Commander in Chief. Get HISTORYs most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week. Though they lost both battles, as well as the capital at Philadelphia, the Continental Army emerged from these experiences with a confidence like that of an underdog sports team that had thrown a scare into the champion: [the experience of the battle of Germantown] has served to convince our people, that when they make an attack, they can confuse and Rout even the Flower of the British Army, with the greatest ease, and they are not that invincible Body of Men which many suppose them to be. The popularity of the myth also speaks to its usefulness. Fearing such a concentration of military supplies would undoubtedly become a target for British raids, the forge-ironmaster, William Dewees Jr., expressed concerns about the army's proposal. Need help with homework? The rainy weather continued to be a problem, but the mood of the camp brightened when news of the Franco-American alliance arrived in May. The British army completed its march to New York City, while the Continental Army had forced a battle and performed admirably on an open field. [60] Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian drill master who had recently arrived from Europe, instituted a rigorous training program for the troops. Valley Forge George Washington's Mount Vernon French assistance was crucial to the success of the Revolution. The Prussian Nobleman Who Helped Save the American Revolution By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 menroughly one in sixdied of disease. Although the inconsistent delivery of food rations did not cause starvation, it probably exacerbated the health of ailing soldiers. Von Steubens regulations extended beyond tactical instruction. It is where General George Washington's Continental Army of 12,000 men encamped during the winter of 1777-78. In exchange for enlisting, soldiers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment gained immediate emancipation, and their former owners received financial compensation equal to the slave's market value. Baron von Steuben to Baron de Gaudy, 1787-88. 2023 Mount Vernon Ladies Association. The army hereafter would be more cohesive, healthier, and highly efficient. The army kept monthly status reports that tracked the number of soldiers who had died or were too sick to perform their duties. Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, provided important training for the American troops. Today, the site is the home of the Valley Forge National Historical Park. By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 menroughly one in sixdied of disease. [69][70], One of the most enduring myths about the Valley Forge encampment concerns the weather. Lasting six months, from December until June, the encampment was as diverse as any city, and was made up of free and enslaved African American soldiers and civillians, Indigenous people, wealthy officers, impoverished enlisted men, European immigrants, speakers of several languages, and adherents of multiple religions. Valley Forge was an important place during the course of the American Revolution. An investigation uncovered that 3,0004,000 troops had not received inoculations, despite having long-term enlistments. Continental officer George Ewing wrote that "the troops then shouted, three cheers and 'Long live the King of France!' One officer said the camp had the appearance of a little city when viewed from a distance. The Revolution is Yorktown, Washington Crossing the Delaware, and Valley Forge. Most served as scouts, keeping an eye out for British raiding parties in the area, and in May 1778, they fought under Lafayette at Barren Hill. The farms located on the north side provided forage for the Continental Army, the location of a camp market where farmers from this vicinity could sell their produce to the army, and the center for commissary operations. 1400 North Outer Line Drive Valley Forge National Historical Park, established as a national historic site in 1976, protects and preserves over 3,500 acres of the original encampment site. However, the October 1777 surrender of British General John Burgoyne's army at Saratoga won for Americans the assistance they needed from other foreign powers. More adequate money and supplies were forthcoming after the Franco-American Alliance became known in late spring 1778. Amputations occurred, but no corroborating sources state that death occurred from the freezing temperatures alone. Most of the nearby prominent farm and industrial families were members of the Religious Society of Friends. From here the Continental Army could protect the outlying parts of the state, with its wary citizens and precious military stores, as well as the Continental Congress, which had fled to York, Pennsylvania. On June 28, at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, Washingtons men demonstrated their new battlefield skills, as they forced the British from the field. '"[64] Each soldier received an extra gill of rum (about four ounces) to enjoy that day, and after the troops' dismissal, Washington and other officers drank many patriotic toasts and concluded the day "with harmless Mirth and jollity."[64]. [37], Maintaining cleanliness was a challenge for the Continental Army. Valley Forge had the highest mortality rate of any Continental Army encampment, and even most military engagements of the war. 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. Interesting Facts About the Valley Forge Valley Forge was the first state park in Pennsylvania. Valley Forge - Washington House. Von Steuben arrived in Valley Forge on February 23, 1778. While there was never a battle at Valley Forge, disease killed nearly 2,000 people during the encampment. When combined with the Continental Army's lack of hard currency, prices for perishable goods inflated. Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the years battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. The story first appeared in an 1804 article by Mason Locke Weems, an itinerant minister, popular folklorist, and Washington biographer. John C. Fitzpatrick (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1934), 168.2. Valley Forge: National Park Service, 1982. First, the lay of the land made Valley Forge a natural fortress. Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year's battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. By the fall, the British had pushed Washingtons unevenly trained and outnumbered force to the brink of defeat and established control over New York City and the states of New York and New Jersey. The men of this establishment formed the bulk of the professional force that would fight the rest of the war. Though commonly conceived of today as a rag tag bunch of inexperienced fighters, by 1777 the Continental Army was battle-tested and capable of standing up to the British. Details about the George Washington statue at the park. Of those three moments in the war, Valley Forge at least conjures up a concrete image: barefoot soldiers leaving footprints of blood in the snow. Still others spoke Scottish- or Irish-Gaelic, and a few descended from French-speaking Huguenot and Dutch-speaking communities in New York. However, following the inconclusive Battle of Whitemarsh from December 58, increasing numbers of officers and politicians began to appreciate the need to defend the greater Philadelphia region from British incursions. General Washington and his closest aides lived in a two-story stone house near Valley Forge Creek. Continental soldiers under the command of General Charles Lee engaged the British in approximately five hours of continuous fighting in a ferocious heat. cause. On June 18, Washington and his troops marched after them, with the remainder vacating Valley Forge one day laterexactly six months after the Continental Army had arrived. She took over the management of his household, helped with his correspondence, and cheered him by entertaining guests. About 30% of Continental soldiers at Valley Forge did not speak English as their first language. Valley Forge National Historical Park Has One of the Most Important Fossil Deposits in North America . Lucy Flucker Knox, Catharine Littlefield "Caty" Greene, and other senior officers' wives journeyed to Valley Forge at the behest of their husbands. On September 18, 1777, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen led British soldiers on a raid of Valley Forge, where American troops had built a handful of storage facilities. Indigenous Peoples occupied the area in and around what is now known as Valley Forge National Historical Park as early as 10,000-8,000 BP (before present), enjoying the abundance of food and shelter offered by the river valley environment. Download PDF Version). HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Together they headed for New Jersey where they would make a stand against the British army, on its way from Philadelphia to New York, at Monmouth Courthouse. [13] Proximity to the Schuylkill River could facilitate supply movements down the river. The last native people to inhabit the area were the Lenape, also known as the Delaware. There were approximately 1,300 huts in the encampment along with other shelters and sheds for . [52] During the Revolutionary War, most Native American tribes sided with the British in order to protect their traditional homelands from the encroachment of American settlers. The symbolic importance that Americans have attached to Valley Forge since the 19th century both complicates and enriches its authentic history. The Continental Army had been hindered in battle because units administered training from a variety of field manuals, making coordinated battle movements awkward and difficult. As spring wore on, whole brigades marched with newfound precision and crisply executed commands under the watchful eye of the baron. [11] Interested parties suggested other sites for an encampment, including Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. All Rights Reserved. They often earned income either by laundering clothes or by nursing troops, which kept soldiers cleaner and healthier. In December, 1777, General George Washington moved the Continental Army to their winter quarters at Valley Forge. Most agreed that their log accommodations were tolerably comfortable.. What are some important facts about Valley Forge? We don't accept government funding and rely upon private contributions to help preserve George Washington's home and legacy. A new professionalism was born. Monmouth hurt the British in the short term and provided the Americans with a long-term boost in confidence. The commander in chiefs professional reputation also got a boost at Valley Forge. [6] Surrounding the valley was a rich farmland, where mainly Welsh-Quaker farmers grew wheat, rye, hay, Indian corn, among other crops, and raised livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs, and barnyard fowl. READ MORE: Winter at Valley Forge: George Washington's Most Dismal Christmas Ever. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. Despite the difficulties, there were a number of significant accomplishments and events during the encampment. 10, ed. Starting in 1776, vital French aid in the form of military materiel flowed to America. [65] Meanwhile, small-scale cooperative operations between the Continentals and New Jersey militia harassed and exhausted the British forces. Doctors dispatched the most serious cases to outlying hospitals, both to limit disease spread and also to cure those individuals who could be saved. After wintering at their stronghold in Morristown, New Jersey, Washingtons forces prepared to meet the British with renewed fervor in the spring of 1777. Also important, the ideas and ideals held dear by Americans today were not forged at Valley Forge, but rather contested not just between patriots and the British but also among different Americans. Source: Valley Forge National Historical Park General Management Plan, National Park Service, 2007. Concentrating the soldiers in one vast camp allowed the army to protect the countryside and be better able to resist a British attack, but it became costly when lack of supplies and hunger afflicted the inhabitants, and diseases like influenza and typhoid spread through the camp. Rather than wait for deliverance, the army procured supplies, built log cabins to stay in, constructed makeshift clothing and gear, and cooked subsistence meals of their own concoction. During the encampment, nearly 2,000 men died of disease. Secondly, Valley Forge was far enough away from the rich farmland north of Philadelphia to prevent the army from becoming a burden on the local population. To accomplish this objective, the British commander in chief, Sir William Howe, set sail from New York City in July 1777 with nearly 17,000 of His Majestys finest troops on board transport ships. However, no contemporary evidence exists suggesting such a prayer occurred. While many historians consider the Battle of Monmouth a tactical draw, the Continental Army fought for the first time as a cohesive unit, showing a new level of confidence. The British also feared a French naval blockade of Philadelphia, so in June, Clinton abandoned it for New York Citya loyalist stronghold. Even though camp markets and the establishment of a center for commissary operations brought food and supplies into camp, the establishment of the winter camp so close to the British caused the men additional hardship. They bought freedom for 117 enslaved recruits before the law allowing them to do so was repealed, but these free African American Soldiers continued to enlist in the military. General George Washington, pacing the headquarters tent of his revolutionary army .

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