12/19 1777 The Continental Army Encamps At Valley Forge

[Valin]

Winter at Valley Forge

Winter at Valley Forge - Arrival:

In the fall of 1777, General George Washington's Continental Army moved south from New Jersey to defend the capital of Philadelphia from the advancing forces of General William Howe. Clashing at Brandywine on September 11, Washington was decisively defeated, leading the Continental Congress to flee the city. Fifteen days later, after outmaneuvering Washington, Howe entered Philadelphia unopposed. Seeking to regain the initiative, Washington struck at Germantown on October 4, but was again defeated. With the campaign season ending and cold weather rapidly approaching, Washington moved his army into winter quarters.

For his winter encampment, Washington selected Valley Forge on the Schuylkill River approximately 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. With its high ground and position near the river, Valley Forge was easily defensible, but still close enough to the city for Washington to maintain pressure on the British. Despite the defeats of the fall, the 12,000 men of the Continental Army were in good spirits when they marched into Valley Forge on December 19, 1777.

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[nickydog]

I'm presently reading "1776" by David McCullough. It's fascinating. I am chastened by how much I didn't know, like how much fighting there was before the Declaration of Independence was even signed. Just the story of the guns being brought south from Ft. Ticonderoga would make a good movie. The privations from the weather long before Valley Forge is really incomprehensible.Everyone needs to think more about this period of time in our nation's history and what people sacrificed, and how lucky we are because of it. And not squander it now!

[Valin]

@nickydog

 

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