Today in History: December 19

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On December 19, 1777, General George Washington led his army of over 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter during the American Revolutionary War. This grueling six-month encampment became a defining moment of endurance and resilience for the Continental Army. Despite harsh conditions, disease, and limited supplies, the army emerged stronger with the help of rigorous training led by Prussian military officer Baron von Steuben, whose drills significantly improved their discipline and effectiveness. Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge marked a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War, increasing the army’s ability to withstand adversity and succeed in future battles.

Also on this date:

In 1972, Apollo 17, the final mission of NASA’s Apollo program, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. This mission was notable for bringing astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt to the lunar surface, making them the last humans to walk on the Moon. Schmitt, a trained geologist, collected invaluable rock samples that advanced our understanding of lunar geology. Apollo 17’s successful mission ended humanity’s first era of lunar exploration, leaving a legacy of scientific discovery and technological achievement.

In 2011, North Korea announced the death of its leader Kim Jong Il, who had passed away two days earlier. Massive public displays of mourning ensued as state media confirmed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, as the nation’s new leader. This transition marked the beginning of Kim Jong Un’s regime, which would later be defined by heightened nuclear ambitions and global tensions. The death of Kim Jong Il and the rise of Kim Jong Un reshaped North Korea’s leadership dynamics and its role on the world stage.

In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges against the former U.S. president for inciting the violent Capitol insurrection of 2021. This recommendation underscored a historic effort to hold a former sitting president accountable for actions threatening democratic institutions. The committee’s work called for a national reckoning on the fragility of democracy and the rule of law.

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𝗪𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀-𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗜𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l

When George Washington led 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge in December, 1777, the soldiers were battle-weary, hungry, exhausted, and many were shoeless. This was true. But this was all they taught us in school. They also said the soldiers were downtrodden. That was not true.

Worn out as they were, the soldiers were patriots and in high spirits. They were as committed as Washington, himself, to winning the war, which was already in its third year when they went to Valley Forge.

The location itself was a strategic place to spend the winter. Less than 50 miles from Philadelphia, the valley offered a broad view across the landscape, and gave the army an advantage in protecting their border.

The army camped for six months. The first order of business was to make life survivable. Accompanied by hundreds of women and children plus non-combat service staff, the army went to work to clothe all personnel, and provide shelter. To the latter purpose, Washington had a team of architects design a cabin that would accommodate the men and keep them warm.

The army built some 1500 such cabins in straight rows, military style. They were said to be quite comfortable. Essentially, Washington’s army built the 4th largest city in America at that time.

Though they braved through periods of food and supply shortages, usually rations were adequate or better. Washington used these six months to stock up on equipment and ordinance, while putting the soldiers through advanced training and discipline.

It took five more years for Washington and the armies of the colonies to achieve their objectives, but they achieved them. They defeated King George’s forces. The winter at Valley Forge can be seen as a pivotal milestone in the campaign, when Washington’s army became the fighting force that was needed.