Valley Forge, PA Photos

Valley Forge, west of Philadelphia, became the winter quarters of the Continental Army led by George Washington on Dec. 17, 1777. American troops suffered a harsh winter with few supplies. The American capital of Philadelphia itself had been occupied by the British the previous September & the Americans were awaiting an opportunity to attack. They did so in June of 1778 when the British withdrew from Philadelphia under fear of blockade by French ships. The attack against the retreating British (battle of Monmouth) failed. Valley Forge became an American shrine & is today run by the National Park Service.