George Washington and his troops camped in Valley Forge from December 1777 to June 1778. Valley Forge was close to Philadelphia. The British held the city of Philadelphia.

The winter was very cold. Washington's men did not have enough food. Blankets were scarce. One third of the men did not have shoes. Congress did not have enough money to supply the troops well. Many men died. It was the low point of the war.

Some soldiers protested and left. But most remained loyal. The soldiers believed in the patriots' cause. They respected George Washington. He had refused to live indoors while his men stayed in tents. He lived in a tent, too.

Many officers' wives came to help. Martha Washington made and patched uniforms. A Prussian soldier named Baron Von Steuben helped to train the troops. In February, more supplies arrived. News of the alliance with France cheered the troops in May.

The troops left Valley Forge in June. They were better trained. They were ready to go on fighting.