A Desperate Winter at Valley Forge

American Revolution
Written By Tom Hand

In December 1777, following the loss of Philadelphia, General George Washington moved his Continental Army into winter quarters about 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Unfortunately, there were no shelters for the 12,000 soldiers and improvised wooden huts, housing 8-12 men, were hastily erected, but barely kept out the wind. Washington, who remained with his troops throughout the long winter, sent countless requests to Congress imploring them to alleviate his men’s suffering. But Congress, without taxation authority and little influence over the states, seemed powerless to help.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, explores the harsh conditions faced by the Continental Army at Valley Forge, and why it still matters today.

Images courtesy of The New York Public Library, Library of Congress, Digital Commonwealth, Yale University Art Gallery, Wikipedia. 

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In December 1777, following the loss of Philadelphia, our nation’s capital, General George Washington moved his Continental Army to Valley Forge for the winter. It would prove to be a desperately hard winter for the soldiers, with conditions that might have broken the spirit of less determined men, but one from which the American army emerged a more professional fighting force.

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Tom Hand
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