1 - 7 January 1777

Valley Forge

No sooner had General Washington’s bedraggled Continental Army moved into winter quarters at Valley Forge, a week before Christmas, 1777, than the situation grew steadily worse. In the days following, several inches of new snow fell, and the nearby Schuylkill River froze to a depth of six inches. Regimental Quartermasters scoured the countryside for material to help build “hutts,” and foraged for enough food to keep the animals alive. Still scarcity of most supplies threatened to undermine the patriot effort.

As the new year opened Quartermasters reported stores of blankets, shoes, and clothing virtually exhausted. And on January 2nd there were no more animals to slaughter. Up and downcompany streets the cry was heard, “No meat! No meat!” It would be many days before the crisis passed.

Not from legislation alone was the United States Army Quartermaster Corps born — but from adversity, such as that experienced during the terrible winter at Valley forge.

Compiled by Dr. Steven Anders, former Quartermaster School historian.