1777-1778 Winter at Valley Forge

The bleak winter spent by Washington's Army at Valley Forge was a turning point in the American Revolution. Despite huge odds against them, the ragtag Army that straggled into the camp not only survived physically from their torturous experience, but they miraculously marched out a cohesive fighting force finally capable of challenging the British regulars.

Living arrangements for the soldiers in the Continental Army during the winters throughout the war were cold and squalid. The encampment at Valley Forge throughout the winter of 1777-1778 characterized this situation. Several factors totally beyond General Washington's control contributed to the hardships experienced here.

Many of the problems General Washington dealt with during these months were not created by the British Army or by King George's government, but were generated by the inexperienced Continental Congress afraid of granting Washington, too, much power. Part of this fear revolved around Washington's position desiring a standing army versus volunteer militiamen. He was forced to cope with plots that were designed to reflect him as an incompetent leader. Some members of the Congress wished to replace him with another general. Although General Washington eventually prevailed in his leadership, some of the more disastrous results of this bickering contributed to the major shortage of provisions at Valley Forge.

Serious supply shortages of all types existed in every department. Some of these included food, uniforms, clothing in general, blankets, transportation, and medical provisions. After Nathanael Greene became Quartermaster General in late March of 1778, the intense supply shortages were eased up somewhat as a result of his management.

Another very important individual at Valley Forge was General Baron Von Steuben. He was a German Officer recommended to General Washington by Benjamin Franklin. Von Steuben arrived in camp in February, 1778. He immediately began drilling the troops in military precision and formations. It was primarily through his efforts that the troops became a disciplined, fighting force that could match the British Regulars.

While the Continental Congress would have preferred the men to live in tents, General Washington insisted that at the very least enough huts be constructed to house every man in camp. Accordingly he gave an order for the huts to be built to his specifications. The view below is a replica of some of the huts at the Valley Forge Park in Pennsylvania. Move your cursor over the picture to step inside and view the accommodations!

Disease was a much more significant enemy than any of the British bullets that winter. Of the approximately 12,000 troops that arrived at Valley Forge, over 2500 died of various sicknesses.

Enlistment terms of the officers and soldiers alike were terminating creating havoc in the brigades. Because of the poor pay and inflated Continental currency, many heard and listened to the cries from their loved ones at home and left never to return. Considering the living conditions, the desertion rate was actually fairly small. Click here to see a Muster Roll for the soldiers at Valley Forge.

Throughout the ordeal, General Washington felt that his most valuable resource were the soldiers themselves. Their stoic acceptance of the harsh conditions combined with their staunch loyalty to the cause of Independence for the American Colonies were significant factors in the eventual outcome of the War.

Top of Page