Why Valley Forge?
The series of maneuvers and engagements that led to the Valley Forge encampment began in late August 1777 when Sir William Howe, commander in chief of British forces in North America, landed his veteran army at the upper end of Chesapeake Bay. His objective was to take Philadelphia, the patriot capital. General Washington positioned his Continental Army to defend the city. Howe’s skillful tactics, combined with errors made by Washington’s army, led to a British victory at Brandywine, the flight of the Continental Congress to York, PA., the British occupation of Philadelphia, and a defeat at Germantown. With winter setting in, General Washington looked for a place to rest and train his men. He selected Valley Forge, located 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. It was an excellent choice. Named for an iron forge on Valley Creek, the area was close enough to the British to keep their raiding and foraging parties out of the interior of Pennsylvania, yet far enough away to halt the threat of
Related Questions
- I want to set up a life insurance policy, name Valley Forge Military Academy & College as beneficiary, but retain ownership of the policy. Can I deduct the premium payments I make?
- What did they do with the 2000 dead soldiers from the winter at Valley Forge?
- What were the primary causes of soldier deaths at Valley Forge?
