Valley Forge

Valley Forge on the Schuylkill River, SE Pa., NW of Philadelphia. There, during the American Revolution, the main camp of the Continental Army was established (Dec., 1777-June, 1778) under the command of Gen. George Washington. The winter was severe, food and clothing was inadequate, and illness and suffering pervaded the camp. The number of ragged and half-starved troops dwindled through desertion; the remaining men, about 11,000, talked of mutiny but were held together by their loyalty to Washington and to the patriotic cause. Two distinguished foreigners, French General Lafayette and Prussian General Steuben, shared the misery of the troops; Steuben drilled and organized the men, transforming the loose-jointed army into an integrated force. The site is included in Valley Forge National Historical Park (see National Parks and Monuments , table).

Valley Forge (1777–78) An American Revolutionary winter camp 32 km (20 miles) north-west of Philadelphia that was occupied by George WASHINGTON's army after it had been defeated at BRANDYWINE and GERMANTOWN and the British had occupied Philadelphia. A bitter winter and lack of supplies came close to destroying the Continental Army of 11,000 men. The Valley Forge winter was the low point in the American Revolutionary struggle; it hardened the survivors and became a symbol of endurance.

Valley Forge Site of the winter camp of the army of George Washington in 1777–78, 34km (21mi) nw of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The men were short of food, proper housing and clothes, and about 2,500 out of 11,000 died. Their ordeal became symbolic of the heroism of the colonial troops in the American Revolution.