Road to Valley Forge

During the American Revolution, General George Washington and the Continental Army camped at Valley Forge for six months in the winter of 1777-1778, the third year of an eight-year war. After the British landed at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in summer 1777 and marched north to capture Philadelphia, defeats at Brandywine and Germantown left the patriot capital in British hands. Because armies generally halted major operations during winter due to poor roads and the difficulty of finding food and forage, Washington needed a secure place where his army could rest, retrain, and prepare for renewed campaigning. He chose Valley Forge, about 20 miles from Philadelphia, because it was near enough to observe British activity yet far enough to reduce the risk of surprise attack. Its hilly terrain allowed defensive lines on ridges facing the approach from the city, while the camp's position against the Schuylkill River helped guard against attack from the north. From there, the army could also help protect lands to the north and west, where Congress and thousands of patriot refugees had gone, and the area offered fresh water, trees for shelter and firewood, and limited food and forage from nearby farms.

Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania · United States