Valley Forge Real Estate and Community Guide

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After declaring independence from England, the city of Philadelphia became the de facto capitol of the thirteen colonies. During the fall of 1777, British commander Major General William Howe sought to break the spirit of the colonists by capturing Philadelphia in an attempt to end the war.

Howe was successful in taking Philadelphia despite the efforts of George Washington and the rag tag Continental Army. As winter approached Washington led the troops to Valley Forge to ride out the long, cold winter. Terrible weather and road conditions, not to mention a disinterested quartermaster, meant the Army was cut off from receiving supplies. Lack of food, proper shelter, and rampant disease made the conditions even more horrific for the troops.

By early spring, General Nathanael Greene took over as quartermaster and supplies began to arrive in camp. Perhaps even more important, Baron von Steuben arrived from Prussia to train and discipline the troops. By the middle of June this rag tag group, having survived the winter at Valley Forge, had become a well disciplined Army that was finally capable of taking on the British with both courage and skill.