Valley Forge was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War, where George Washington and the Continental Army spent a brutal winter in 1777-78. Many soldiers died from cold, disease, and starvation, but those who survived came out in the spring as a renewed force. Baron Friedrich von Steuben arrived and trained soldiers, re-energizing them. Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates the difficult winter and is a recreational area with historic exhibits and recreated structures.
While Valley Forge was not the site of a major battle during the American Revolutionary War, it was the site of one of its pivotal moments. George Washington and the Continental Army spent a brutal winter there in 1777-78, during which time many soldiers died not in battle but instead from cold, disease, and starvation. The men who survived the winter came out in the spring as a renewed force, however, both willing and ready to fight the British against all odds.
After fighting the last battle of 1777, Washington decided to march his men to Valley Forge, where they would wait out the winter. He chose the site because it was easily defensible and could track the movements of the British. Although tactically it was a strong choice, the location proved to be a difficult place to spend the winter. The soldiers built lodgings on the site, but the dwellings were constantly damp and cramped. This promoted the spread of diseases, such as typhoid, pneumonia and smallpox, which claimed the lives of many men.
Continental Army soldiers had marched great distances and fought in many battles, and the clothing they wore reflected that evidence. Many soldiers wore ragged uniforms that left them cold and damp during the winter months. Blankets were in short supply and many men succumbed to the cold. As winter wore on, food became dangerously scarce and men were often forced to eat what they called fire bread. This was a cookie made with flour and water, and had very little, if any, flavor. Since animals were also succumbing to cold and disease, meat was a rarity.
A turning point for the men of Valley Forge came when Baron Friedrich von Steuben arrived from Europe. He had joined the cause of the Continental Army and, shortly after his arrival, took on the task of training soldiers who had been hampered in battle due to their lack of training. Von Steuben trained the men and showed them many tactics for success, which re-energized downtrodden men who had spent the winter in constant suffering.
Today, the location is known as Valley Forge National Historical Park. The site commemorates the difficult winter that proved to be a turning point for the Continental Army. Several historic exhibits and recreated structures populate the area, and a chapel honoring George Washington is also located on the site. It is a recreational area with bicycle and pedestrian paths running everywhere.
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