Valley Forge inspired and mapped our national unity

The hope of the United States becoming a divided state takes us back to a key founder, George Washington. Let’s look back at his Continental Army’s experience at Valley Forge to reflect on how Washington’s winter encampment inspired and shaped our national unity.

During the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), the Philadelphia Campaign by the British Army led to a series of defeats for the Continental Army. After the Battle of Brandywine, Washington was unable to defend Philadelphia, the revolutionary capital. His army of 12,000 men, one-third of the American force, marched to winter quarters at Valley Forge, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. They camped there from December 1777 to June 1778, the harshest of eight winter encampments for the Continentals. Lacking food, clothing, medicine, basic housing, and sanitation, the soldiers suffered from malnutrition, smallpox, and other life-threatening diseases. Confidence waned.

The Continental Army reflected diverse, not yet integrated, demographics of the 18th century. Coming from the 13 colonies, approximately half are of English and Scottish ancestry. Historians estimate that approximately 25% of the remaining soldiers were of Irish descent and 12% of German descent, with smaller numbers of Dutch, Swedish, Polish and African descent, while even Native Americans also served. French allies and many other foreigners also participated, mainly as officers. Opposition to British colonial rules united these seemingly unconnected groups. The ideals of freedom and equality brought them together in the darkest days of the Revolution.

Despite personal dislikes, General Thomas Conway, an Irish member of the French army, commanded a Continental brigade at Valley Forge. The Prussian Baron von Steuben played a decisive role in the training of continental soldiers. Because of Prussian military experience, Washington appointed him the first inspector general of the Continental Army. Von Steuben did not speak English and had to rely on translators. He brought failing troops back into shape with discipline and skill. The translators compiled von Steuben’s methods and instructions into the “Blue Book”, still used in military academies today. The Prussian officer is remembered as the founding father of the American military. The Pennsylvania Germans further contributed to the training of soldiers with their well-known rifle marksmanship skills.

Women like Mary Ludwig Hayes, “Molly Pitcher,” joined their husbands at Valley Forge. Hayes replaced her injured husband by loading a cannon. Margaret Thomas, a free black woman, washed and mended clothes in the commander-in-chief’s household. Despite barriers to black enlistment in the early years of the Revolution, approximately 5,000 enslaved and free blacks served in the Continental Army. Integrated units like this would not arise again until after World War II.

Washington invited Native Americans to help at Valley Forge. Oneida leaders brought white corn and winter warmers to sick and starving Continental soldiers. Polly Cooper of the Oneida Nation taught the army how to use plants and herbs to heal wounds and save lives.

The Valley Forge encampment was emblematic of American solidarity, renewing minds, rejuvenating bodies, and defeating the most powerful military in the world at the time. Coming together in our darkest times shaped the character and identity of Americans. Washington began the long journey toward becoming a multicultural nation.

The celebration of July 4 would not be complete without a reflection on our capacities for cohesion. While the contributions of Irish Americans, German Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, foreign-born newcomers, and many other groups have been inextricably linked to America’s success in victory over the British and in reclaiming nationhood, we have reason to see that we are more connected than separate in our history.

Will the bonds forged in blood and suffering at Valley Forge be strong enough to carry us through today’s tensions and divisions? At heart, the United States is an experiment in providing seats at the multicultural table for all those who have contributed to our survival and the idea of ​​freedom.