Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight winter encampments for the Continental Army's main body, commanded by General George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War.
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12 Facts About Valley Forge
2.
In 1777, Valley Forge consisted of a small proto-industrial community located at the juncture of the Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River.
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3.
Valley Forge posted the army's mounted troops at Trenton, New Jersey, and additional outposts at Downingtown and Radnor, Pennsylvania, among other places.
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4.
Valley Forge marked the first time Washington ordered the army primarily concentrated into a more permanent post where they constructed their own shelters.
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5.
Valley Forge encampment became the Continental Army's first large-scale construction of living quarters.
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6.
Valley Forge had the highest mortality rate of any Continental Army encampment, and even most military engagements of the war.
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7.
Valley Forge's organized meals and kept spirits high during the rough times at the encampment.
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8.
Valley Forge had a high percentage of racial and ethnic diversity, since Washington's army comprised individuals from all 13 states.
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9.
Valley Forge drilled the soldiers, improving their battle and formation techniques.
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10.
Valley Forge long occupied a prominent place in U S storytelling and memory.
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11.
Later depictions of Valley Forge described the encampment as blanketed in snow, with exposure and frostbite supposedly claiming the lives of many soldiers.
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12.
One of the most popular Valley Forge myths involves Washington kneeling in the snow praying for his army's salvation.
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