Towns

PA, USA

Grand Parade Ground

Landmark

The open field where Baron Friedrich von Steuben drilled Continental soldiers through the winter and spring of 1778, transforming a dispirited, undisciplined force into a professional army. Von Steuben devised and personally demonstrated a standardized system of drill, commands, and maneuver — first working with a model company of 100 men, then spreading the techniques through the entire army. The transformation was complete before the army marched out in June 1778, evident at the Battle of Monmouth.

Visiting Today

Address

Valley Forge NHP, PA 19482

Connected Events

Dec 1777
The Conway Cabal

George Washington, Martha Washington

Dec 1777
Continental Army Arrives at Valley Forge

George Washington, Martha Washington

Dec 1777
Construction of Soldier Huts

George Washington, Martha Washington

Jan 1778
Congressional Committee Visits Camp

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Martha Washington

Feb 1778
Supply Crisis Peaks

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Martha Washington

Feb 1778
Martha Washington Arrives at Valley Forge

George Washington, Martha Washington

Mar 1778
Von Steuben Begins Training the Army

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Mar 1778
Nathanael Greene Appointed Quartermaster General

George Washington, Nathanael Greene, Martha Washington

May 1778
News of the French Alliance Reaches Camp

George Washington, Martha Washington

Jun 1778
Continental Army Departs Valley Forge

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben