Valley Forge, PA and Jockey Hollow, NJ Winter Encampments Valley Forge, PA and Jockey Hollow, NJ
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777 After his successful operations in 1776-1777 and the defeat of the British at Trenton and Princeton, General George Washington chose Morristown, New Jersey for his winter encampment.
Why Morristown? For strategic reasons it was ideal He was 31 miles from New York City, hence would have adequate time to defend against a British move against either the Hudson Highlands, or against Philadelphia. At the same time he was protected from an attack by the Watchung Mountains and swamplands to the east, and the Ramapo Hills which ran north to join the Hudson Highlands.
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777 During.the Revolutionary War period there were very few roads and the countryside was densely wooded, making the few existing passes very defensible.
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777
First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777
The Winter at Valley Forge Entry of France and Spain came at a critical time Continental Army running low on supplies. Suffered food and clothing shortages 1/5 of soldiers at Valley Forge died of disease and malnutrition
The Winter at Valley Forge Housing 2,000 dirt-floored, drafty wooden huts lined up in streets like a village Soldiers Blood stained ground Some had no shoes Toes left bloody tracks Suffering from Hunger Weather A terrible winter Over 6 feet of snow Disease About 2,000 Men died
The Winter at Valley Forge Patriot troops were growing frustrated. “No pay, no clothes, no provisions.” Many soldiers deserted the army during the Winter Conditions did improve throughout the winter Supplies came from other countries Martha Washington and other Patriot Women made clothes and food for the soldiers. “The army grows stronger every day,”
Fredrich von Steuben Former German Office Came to help Washington Drilled the Patriot troops during the Winter at Valley Forge Taught Military discipline He turned the ragged Continental Army into a more effective fighting force