The Valley Forge encampment included more than 1,500 log huts and two miles of fortifications and essentially became the fourth largest city in America at the time. (National Park Service Photo)

As the United States of America celebrates 250 years of freedom, Look Back will, on occasion, continue highlighting important events of the Revolutionary War. Readers are asked to support the many local events that will also be offering remembrances of those who fought for, died for, supported and wrote our Declaration of Independence.

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Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, a Place to Regroup and Retrain.

Valley Forge, Pa., was once a thriving village built around iron furnaces. Those were burned by the British army just three months before the Continental Army began their winter encampment at Valley Forge in December 1777. The British, at that time, occupied Philadelphia, capital of the colonies, just 15 or 20 miles from Valley Forge, where, with a slow-down in the war, Washington decided to winter his troops. Initially, 12,000 troops and approximately 400 women and children occupied the camp. The soldiers first duty was to erect their quarters, 1,500 – 14-foot by 16-foot log huts.

As general and commander-in-chief, one of Washington’s important tasks was to rebuild morale. The following is taken from Bret Baier’s book, “To Rescue The Constitution, George Washington and the Fragile Experiment:”

“Further aiding morale — including his own — Washington welcomed some of the officers’ wives to camp. Martha [Washington] arrived in February and stayed through the winter. Von Steuben’s secretary, Peter S. Duponceau, looked on with admiration. . . Mrs. Washington had the courage to follow her husband to that dismal abode. Other ladies also graced the scene. Among them was the lady of General Greene, a handsome, elegant and accomplished woman.”

Von Steuben, cited in the paragraph above, was Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a former Prussian lieutenant general and protege of Prussia’s Frederick the Great. Benjamin Franklin, who had met Von Steuben in Paris, encouraged him to write General Washington, offering his services as a proven trainer of soldiers. Von Steuben’s letter, written in December 1777, read: “… the object of my greatest ambition is to render your country all the services in my power, and to deserve the title of a Citizen of America by fighting for the cause of your liberty.” Von Steuben declined rank or pay for his services, only requesting reimbursement for his expenses if America won the war. Von Steuben could not speak a word of English. He spoke through interpreters.

Citing again from Bret Baier’s book, he writes: “Von Steuben’s methods were specific and highly effective. He took a disorganized army and trained them in a proven set of drills and maneuvers, along with emphasizing improved personal discipline. His personal and supportive approach transformed the army’s overall character in just a few months. …” Von Steuben became one of Washington’s most trusted and depended upon aide. It was an improved, well-trained army that began General Washington’s campaigns in the spring of 1778, primarily due to the efforts of Von Steuben.

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. If you have comments or questions about Look Back items, please contact him at: roberteenoch@gmail.com, or by mail at WCHPS, PO Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.