1. Valley Forge, PA and Jockey Hollow, NJ
Winter Encampments
Valley Forge, PA and Jockey Hollow, NJ

2. First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777
After his successful operations in and the defeat of the British at Trenton and Princeton, General George Washington chose Morristown, New Jersey for his winter encampment.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777

6. First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777

7. First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777

8. First Winter at Morristown – 1776-1777

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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,”

12. 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