During July, 1777, British forces were called in to put a stop to the American independence movement and quell the ragtag rebel Patriots. It was George Washington who took charge at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and formulated plans to free Philadelphia from the British. A few months earlier the British troops, under Sir William Howe, landed near the upper Chesapeake Bay with their sights set on the Capital City of the Colonies, Philadelphia.
   Valley Forge was 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia, a site selected by Washington. The area's name came from an iron furnace located along Valley Creek. Washington's headquarters, also known as the Isaac Potts House, was a rented home. General Washington stayed in the two story home with many as 20 officers, and servants. Martha Washington moved in during February, 1778, with her personal servants, further creating a packed house.
   From this home, General Washington and his aides coordinated operations for the Continental Army. The winter of 1777-1778 was particularly harsh and decimated Washington's troops. Severe shortages of clothing and food took their toll as over 2000 of the men died of hunger, disease and exposure. By spring, Baron Friedrich von Steuben had revived the army's spirits and transformed the soldiers into a well trained, dependable force.

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