RussLeona Trip 10-10-12 Valley Forge

As we left Philadelphia on our way to Lancaster, we toured Valley Forge.  It was very interesting to see where George Washington and the Continental Army spent the winter.  They built 2000 small cabins (12x16) each housing 12 enlisted men or 2 officers.  They were all built to George Washington's specifications.  Contrary to some perceptions, the men had adequate shelter.  They did experience shortage of supplies at times.  In spite of the fact that there was never a shot fired against the English at Valley Forge, 2000 men of the 10-12,000 died of disease during the winter.  The camp was very muddy and concentration of people encouraged disease.  The troops were intensely trained and their moral remained good..  The house in the photo was George Washington's Headquarters.  The covered bridge was built in the 1860's and was in the park.  It was another great day.

There were rows and rows of cabins like these.

These were cabins for George Washington's guards that set behind his headquarters.

The typical interior, except that there would be six beds on each side, three high.

George Washington's Headquarters, the building on the side was the kitchen.

A covered bridge in Valley Forge National Park, built in the 1860's.