Muhlenberg Brigade Archives - National Parks With T

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Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves the site of George Washington’s Continental Army’s winter encampment. From December 1777 to June 1778, the army camped, trained and suffered through a hard winter. The troops were decimated by disease, starvation and desertion due to the harsh living conditions.

After stopping at the visitor center and watching the introductory film, we got directions for the 10-mile Encampment Tour. This is a self-guided driving tour with nine stops. Stop number 2 is the Muhlenberg Brigade.

Before the war, Peter Muhlenberg was a Lutheran pastor. As a Brigadier General in Washington’s Army, his troops were the first line of defense for Valley Forge. From their encampment, they would have been the first to engage the British, had they approached from Philadelphia.

At this site are several recreated soldier’s huts, an underground oven and a redoubt. A redoubt is an earthen defensive fort. During peak times, costumed actors provide living history demonstrations in the Muhlenberg area.