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Why were the soldiers at Valley Forge for the winter?
General George Washington and his weary troops arrived at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania six days before Christmas in 1777. Washington picked the spot because it was close enough to keep an eye on British troops sheltering in Philadelphia, yet far enough away to prevent a surprise attack on his own Continental Army.
Why did troops camp at Valley Forge?
The Valley Forge site—located along trade routes and near farm supplies—was an attempt to balance Congress’ demands for a winter campaign against Philadelphia with the needs of his troops. …
What happened at winter at Valley Forge?
The particularly severe winter of 1777-1778 proved to be a great trial for the American army, and of the 11,000 soldiers stationed at Valley Forge, hundreds died from disease. However, the suffering troops were held together by loyalty to the Patriot cause and to General Washington, who stayed with his men.
What factors made the winter at Valley Forge so difficult?
At Valley Forge, there were shortages of everything from food to clothing to medicine. Washington’s men were sick from disease, hunger, and exposure. The Continental Army camped in crude log cabins and endured cold conditions while the Redcoats warmed themselves in colonial homes.
How cold was the winter at Valley Forge?
The Encampment saw basically two periods of severe cold. The end of December with a low of 6 Degrees and the end of March with a low of 8 Degrees. The low in January reached 12 Degrees and February was 16 Degrees.
How was Valley Forge a turning point?
We rightly regard Valley Forge as the turning point because it tested the nation as it would not be tested again for another fourscore and several years. George Washington’s small and fractious army limped into its bleak Pennsylvania encampment after defeats at Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown.
Why was the winter at Valley Forge important to the American Revolution?
Valley Forge is the location of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year’s battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting.
Was there cannibalism in Valley Forge?
Bentley Little, a pretty good horror writer, suggested in the early ’90s there was cannibalism at Valley Forge, but he was nowhere near serious.
What was so bad about the winter at Valley Forge?
The winter at Valley Forge was a rough one. The Valley Forge Encampment was difficult because the soldiers lacked proper clothing and proper meals. There were seven winters during the Revolutionary War.
When did the soldiers arrive at Valley Forge?
But imagine how chilling that cold air would be if you were a soldier in Washington’s army, preparing to spend a winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Even as the soldiers arrived in Valley Forge in the early winter of 1777, they were not in the best of health.
What Winter was Washington at Valley Forge?
The encampment at Valley Forge took place from December 19, 1777 through June 19, 1778 and served as winter quarters for General George Washington’s Continental Army . Having suffered a string of defeats that fall, including losing the capital of Philadelphia to the British, the Americans made camp for the winter outside of the city.
How big was the camp at Valley Forge?
Within days of arriving at Valley Forge, troops constructed 1,500 to 2,000 log huts in parallel lines that would house 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children throughout the winter. Washington directed that each hut measure approximately 14 feet by 16 feet.
Why was Valley Forge important to the Game of Thrones?
Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year’s battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting.