The Battle of Valley Forge
Valley Forge is the story of the six month encampment of the Continental Army of the newly formed United States of America under the command of General George Washington, a few miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Even though there was no battle fought here from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, a struggle against the elements and low spirits was overcome on this sacred ground.
On December 19, 1777, when Washington's army marched into camp at Valley Forge, tired, cold, and ill-equipped, it was lacking in much of the training essential for the triumph on the battlefield. On June 19, 1778, after a six-month encampment, this same army emerged to follow and successfully engage Lt. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton's British army at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. The ordered ranks, martial appearance, revived spirit, and fighting skill of the American soldiers spoke of a great transformation having occurred amidst the cold, sickness, and hardship that was Valley Forge.
The man most responsible for this transformation was Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, one time member of the elite General Staff of Frederick the Great, king of Prussia. No longer in the Prussian army, indeed without employment of any kind, Von Steuben offered his military skills to the patriot cause. When he arrived at Valley Forge from France on February 23, 1778, he was armed with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. Washington saw great promise in the Prussian and almost immediately assigned him the duties of Acting Inspector General with the task of developing and carrying out an effective training program. The training program transformed the soldiers into new people.
The training consisted on upgrading the army's efficiency, morale, and discipline was as vital as getting supplies. The job of training fell to Baron Friedrich von Steuben. By March this skilled Prussian drillmaster tirelessly drilled and scolded the regiments into a more effective fighting force. Intensive daily training and von Steuben's forceful manner renewed the men's confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed. Over the winter, the army changed dramatically. Slowly but steadily the soldiers' endurance, bravery, and sacrifices were rewarded. Increasing amounts of supplies and equipment came into camp. New troops arrived. Spring brought word of the French alliance with promises of military support. Now a stronger, dependable force, better-trained and hopeful of success, drilled on the Grand Parade
Valley Forge is the story of the six month encampment of the Continental Army of the newly formed United States of America under the command of General George Washington, a few miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Even though there was no battle fought here from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, a struggle against the elements and low spirits was overcome on this sacred ground.
On December 19, 1777, when Washington's army marched into camp at Valley Forge, tired, cold, and ill-equipped, it was lacking in much of the training essential for the triumph on the battlefield. On June 19, 1778, after a six-month encampment, this same army emerged to follow and successfully engage Lt. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton's British army at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. The ordered ranks, martial appearance, revived spirit, and fighting skill of the American soldiers spoke of a great transformation having occurred amidst the cold, sickness, and hardship that was Valley Forge.
The man most responsible for this transformation was Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, one time member of the elite General Staff of Frederick the Great, king of Prussia. No longer in the Prussian army, indeed without employment of any kind, Von Steuben offered his military skills to the patriot cause. When he arrived at Valley Forge from France on February 23, 1778, he was armed with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. Washington saw great promise in the Prussian and almost immediately assigned him the duties of Acting Inspector General with the task of developing and carrying out an effective training program. The training program transformed the soldiers into new people.
The training consisted on upgrading the army's efficiency, morale, and discipline was as vital as getting supplies. The job of training fell to Baron Friedrich von Steuben. By March this skilled Prussian drillmaster tirelessly drilled and scolded the regiments into a more effective fighting force. Intensive daily training and von Steuben's forceful manner renewed the men's confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed. Over the winter, the army changed dramatically. Slowly but steadily the soldiers' endurance, bravery, and sacrifices were rewarded. Increasing amounts of supplies and equipment came into camp. New troops arrived. Spring brought word of the French alliance with promises of military support. Now a stronger, dependable force, better-trained and hopeful of success, drilled on the Grand Parade
The man most responsible for this transformation was Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, one time member of the elite General Staff of Frederick the Great, king of Prussia. No longer in the Prussian army, indeed without employment of any kind, Von Steuben offered his military skills to the patriot cause. When he arrived at Valley Forge from France on February 23, 1778, he was armed with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. Washington saw great promise in the Prussian and almost immediately assigned him the duties of Acting Inspector General with the task of developing and carrying out an effective training program. The training program transformed the soldiers into new people.
The training consisted on upgrading the army's efficiency, morale, and discipline was as vital as getting supplies. The job of training fell to Baron Friedrich von Steuben. By March this skilled Prussian drillmaster tirelessly drilled and scolded the regiments into a more effective fighting force. Intensive daily training and von Steuben's forceful manner renewed the men's confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed. Over the winter, the army changed dramatically. Slowly but steadily the soldiers' endurance, bravery, and sacrifices were rewarded. Increasing amounts of supplies and equipment came into camp. New troops arrived. Spring brought word of the French alliance with promises of military support. Now a stronger, dependable force, better-trained and hopeful of success, drilled on the Grand Parade
The training consisted on upgrading the army's efficiency, morale, and discipline was as vital as getting supplies. The job of training fell to Baron Friedrich von Steuben. By March this skilled Prussian drillmaster tirelessly drilled and scolded the regiments into a more effective fighting force. Intensive daily training and von Steuben's forceful manner renewed the men's confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed. Over the winter, the army changed dramatically. Slowly but steadily the soldiers' endurance, bravery, and sacrifices were rewarded. Increasing amounts of supplies and equipment came into camp. New troops arrived. Spring brought word of the French alliance with promises of military support. Now a stronger, dependable force, better-trained and hopeful of success, drilled on the Grand Parade
Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben