For this post, I decided to journey to Valley Forge National Historical Park. The drive to Valley Forge and back lasted 4 hours, and the tour lasted 1 hour. Nevertheless, I feel like Valley Forge was a crazy place to visit. It just seemed that when we entered the National Park, everything seemed important. I felt like I was among the ranks of General Washington.
I thought it super critical that we visited at this time of year. It was really cold at Valley Forge - and it added an effect to make this event seem more real.
In late 1777, the British took command of the patriot capital of Philadelphia. The Continental Congress fled to York, PA. George Washington was what stood between the British and the patriot's hope of independence. Washington decided to have his troops settle at Valley Forge - a day's march from Philadelphia. He planned to train here while harsh weather, rough terrain, and scarce supplies stopped the fighting.
Valley Forge was harsh for soldiers over the winter - as supplies were drastically low. Many soldiers have told about the 'lack of clothing, and how disheartened they could be.' Influenza and typhoid killed nearly 2,000 people during encampment.
Washington led his troops out of suffering with reform of the supply system. He incorporated former Prussian officer Baron von Steuben into his army. He was in charge of training the army. He taught the soldiers better fighting skills and tactics, creating a more unified and better United States Army.
In May, word came to Washington that the alliance with France was secured. The British marched out of Philadelphia and Washington's army marched out in pursuit.
Valley Forge was chosen because it was strategically superior to its surroundings. It was close enough to keep an eye on the British in Philadelphia, but far enough away to keep from a surprise attack. The terrain formed a triangle, and the British never attacked.
I thought it super critical that we visited at this time of year. It was really cold at Valley Forge - and it added an effect to make this event seem more real.
In late 1777, the British took command of the patriot capital of Philadelphia. The Continental Congress fled to York, PA. George Washington was what stood between the British and the patriot's hope of independence. Washington decided to have his troops settle at Valley Forge - a day's march from Philadelphia. He planned to train here while harsh weather, rough terrain, and scarce supplies stopped the fighting.
Valley Forge was harsh for soldiers over the winter - as supplies were drastically low. Many soldiers have told about the 'lack of clothing, and how disheartened they could be.' Influenza and typhoid killed nearly 2,000 people during encampment.
Washington led his troops out of suffering with reform of the supply system. He incorporated former Prussian officer Baron von Steuben into his army. He was in charge of training the army. He taught the soldiers better fighting skills and tactics, creating a more unified and better United States Army.
In May, word came to Washington that the alliance with France was secured. The British marched out of Philadelphia and Washington's army marched out in pursuit.
Valley Forge was chosen because it was strategically superior to its surroundings. It was close enough to keep an eye on the British in Philadelphia, but far enough away to keep from a surprise attack. The terrain formed a triangle, and the British never attacked.
We basically just visited the visitor center, bought a tour cd, and got in the car. The tour consisted of frequent stops and tons of great information. Our first stop was at huts. The Continental Army created 2,000 of these huts to keep warm over the winter. Over 12 soldiers would stay in a single hut. The beds didn't look comfortable at all! None of the huts exist today. |
We then descended upon the National Memorial Arch. On it, a statement by Washington reads,"Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery."
The next memorial we had seen was one dedicated to Pennsylvanian soldiers - for being the most abundant in the Continental Army.
We drove over very steep hills. There was an obvious strategic advantage. My favorite sight at the park was The Washington Memorial Chapel.
Valley Forge is the historical experience of a lifetime. Grateful Americans will come to this shrine of quiet valor, this forge of our Republic's iron core. Valley Forge is on the national bucket list because George Washington himself had settled here with his own army. With his leadership, we were able to fight and gain independence in the darkened world.