Discover the Secret Survival Tactics Used by George Washington's Army during the Brutal Valley Forge Winter of 1778

The Valley Forge winter of 1777-1778 was a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War. George Washington's Continental Army, consisting of approximately 12,000 soldiers, faced extreme hardships during this period. In this article, we will explore the challenges they encountered and the innovative survival tactics they employed to overcome the harsh conditions.

A Bitter Winter Begins

The winter of 1777 was one of the harshest in American history, especially for General George Washington's Continental Army. Situated near Philadelphia, the army found itself ill-equipped and poorly provisioned. The freezing temperatures, coupled with constant exposure to snow and ice, posed significant risks to the soldiers' health and morale.

Tactics to Combat Cold

To survive the biting cold, soldiers resorted to various creative measures. They constructed makeshift huts using logs, earth, and straw as insulation. The huts were designed to accommodate up to 12 soldiers and offered some protection against the freezing temperatures. Soldiers also used hay and bundled themselves in layers of clothing to keep warm.

Feeding Washington's Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778

by Ricardo A. Herrera (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35425 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	265 pages
Hardcover	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	5.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.6 x 0.32 x 8.49 inches
Paperback	:	176 pages

FREE

Finding Warmth & Comfort

During this harsh winter, Washington's Army took advantage of available resources to find warmth and comfort. Soldiers would spend evenings huddled around campfires, sharing stories and singing songs to keep spirits high. Additionally, they would engage in physical activities to keep warm, such as marching or drilling exercises.

The Scarcity of Food

Another major challenge faced by the soldiers at Valley Forge was the scarcity of food. The Continental Army suffered from shortages of supplies due to logistical failures and a lack of support from the Continental Congress.

Surviving with Limited Rations

To combat hunger, soldiers adopted new survival strategies. They resorted to hunting local wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels, to supplement their meager rations. Some soldiers even foraged for edible plants and roots to sustain themselves. These resourceful tactics helped prevent widespread starvation within the camp.

Baron von Steuben and His Impact

The arrival of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a professional Prussian military officer, proved to be a game-changer for Washington's troops. Baron von Steuben implemented strict discipline and introduced a comprehensive training program to enhance the soldiers' combat skills. He also emphasized the importance of hygiene and proper sanitation, greatly improving the soldiers' health and overall morale.

Medical Challenges

The brutal winter at Valley Forge not only tested the soldiers' strength but also their resilience against diseases. The camp became a breeding ground for illnesses, including smallpox, typhoid, and dysentery.

Improving Medical Care

With medical supplies running low, doctors and surgeons had to face numerous challenges in treating the sick and wounded. However, they worked tirelessly to improve sanitary conditions, establish hospitals within the camp, and implement quarantine measures to control the spread of contagious diseases.

The Impact of Dr. Benjamin Rush

Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the most influential physicians of that time, played a crucial role in enhancing medical care during the winter at Valley Forge. He introduced improved sanitation practices, implemented inoculation against smallpox, and educated the soldiers about the importance of personal hygiene. His efforts significantly reduced the mortality rate within the camp.

Preserving Hope

Despite the constant hardships, the soldiers at Valley Forge managed to preserve their hope and determination. Their unwavering belief in the cause of independence and the leadership of George Washington kept them motivated throughout the winter.

The Great Contrast

As the weather started to improve and assistance from supporters arrived, the soldiers witnessed a great contrast in their circumstances. The perseverance shown during the desperate winter months gave them confidence and hope for a brighter future. The Valley Forge experience became a symbol of endurance and a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The Valley Forge winter of 1778 was undoubtedly one of the darkest and most challenging periods for George Washington's Continental Army. However, their resilience, resourcefulness, and the support of key individuals allowed them to endure and survive. The survival tactics employed during this brutal winter set the foundation for subsequent victories, paving the way for the ultimate triumph of American independence.

Feeding Washington's Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778

by Ricardo A. Herrera (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35425 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	265 pages
Hardcover	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	5.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.6 x 0.32 x 8.49 inches
Paperback	:	176 pages

FREE

In this major new history of the Continental Army's Grand Forage of 1778, award-winning military historian Ricardo A. Herrera uncovers what daily life was like for soldiers during the darkest and coldest days of the American Revolution: the Valley Forge winter. Here, the army launched its largest and riskiest operation—not a bloody battle against British forces but a campaign to feed itself and prevent starvation or dispersal during the long encampment. Herrera brings to light the army's herculean efforts to feed itself, support local and Continental governments, and challenge the British Army.

Highlighting the missteps and triumphs of both General George Washington and his officers as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and militiamen, Feeding Washington's Army moves far beyond oft-told, heroic, and mythical tales of Valley Forge and digs deeply into its daily reality, revealing how close the Continental Army came to succumbing to starvation and how strong and resourceful its soldiers and leaders actually were.