Sundays in Autumn mean football. Specifically, as a native of the Philadelphia metropolitan region, cheering for the Eagles. However, with the hometown team performing poorly this year, and a beautiful late fall day unfolding outside, I decided to ignore this week’s game, leave my home, and venture twenty miles west of Philadelphia to a site where, 239 years ago this month, George Washington developed the army that would eventually defeat the British and lead to the founding of the United States. Despite disease, hunger, and misery, the soldiers encamped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the winter of 1777-1778 would lay the foundation for the modern American military.
Maintained by the National Park Service, Valley Forge National Historic Park preserves much of the land where the Continental Army encamped during the winter and spring of 1777-1778. General Washington moved the army to this location after the British captured Philadelphia. Chosen due to the hilly terrain, access to roads and waterways, and strategic placement, Valley Forge was easily defended against attack. Arriving in Valley Forge on December 19th, 1777, 12,000 ill-prepared soldiers of the Continental Army quickly built log huts in which to live. Lacking adequate food, proper clothing, and ravaged by disease, the soldiers were faced with dire conditions. To quote Private Joseph Plumb Martin: “We are now in a truly forlorn condition, no clothing, no provision and as disheartened as can be.”
After supplies began flowing to the army in late January of 1778, conditions began to improve. As the soldiers became healthier, they were in a far better position to be trained, and a Prussian soldier newly arrived from Europe, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, began drilling the Continental soldiers in military tactics. Having survived a brutal winter, and having learned how to operate as a professional military, in June of 1778 Washington led the Continental Army to recapture Philadelphia, and ultimately to defeat the British five years later.
With the sun setting, I had thoughts of heading home. Before leaving the area, however, I stopped by Washington Memorial Chapel, an Episcopalian church which was built in 1921 to honor soldiers of the American Revolution. The interior of the chapel is stunning. The bell tower houses the Justice Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell that was cast for the women’s suffrage movement.
Much like my trip to Gettysburg several months ago, I was glad to be able to make time to stop at yet another historic site located so close to home. The Northeastern United States is so full of history, especially regarding the founding of the nation, and it is easy to take these historical sites for granted. However, making the time to stop and visit these important locations is well worth the effort. I hope you enjoyed yet another installment of the Voyage of DH!
‘Til next time.