The Continental Army’s Valley Forge encampment was located in Pennsylvania.
George Washington’s army occupied the site from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. Valley Forge lay about 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia, which British forces had captured during the Philadelphia campaign.
The army built a large settlement of log huts and defensive works beside the Schuylkill River. Soldiers faced shortages of food, clothing, and supplies, while disease caused many deaths. The popular image of constant extreme cold is simplified: the winter weather fluctuated, but poor logistics and illness made the encampment difficult.
Valley Forge was not a battle and did not mark a military defeat. It was a winter training and reorganization site. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben trained troops in standardized drills, helping create a more disciplined army before the Continental forces left for the campaign that led to the Battle of Monmouth.