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Where Is Valley Forge?
"Washington and his weary troops occupied Valley Forge, located in eastern Pennsylvania along the banks of the Schuylkill River some 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia." "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."
They would stay here for around six months.
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Disease at Valley Forge
"diseases proved to be the biggest killer. By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 men—roughly one in six—died of disease."
"The most common illnesses included influenza, typhus, typhoid fever and dysentery—conditions most likely exacerbated by poor hygiene and sanitation at the camp."
Weather and lack of resources also killed of many of Washington's troop but nothing did more damage than disease.
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Battle of Valley Forge
"On September 18, 1777, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen led British soldiers on a raid of Valley Forge, where American troops had built a handful of storage facilities. Defending the site were Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and Captain Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee."
The British were able to steal some supplies from the forge, they burned down building and this raid would be known as The Battle of Valley Forge
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Winter 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."
"men built miles of trenches, military roads and paths. One officer said the camp “had the appearance of a little city”
"Soldiers were instructed to search the countryside for straw to use as bedding." History.com -
Battle of Monmouth
"The British soon tested the Continental Army’s newfound discipline at the Battle of Monmouth, which took place in central New Jersey on June 28, 1778. While many historians consider the Battle of Monmouth a tactical draw, the Continental Army fought for the first time as a cohesive unit, showing a new level of confidence."
"The Continental Army left Valley Forge for good in June 1778." history