Upper Merion Township near King of Prussia in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Transformation of the American Army
Discipline and Training
The large protected valley in front of you is the Grand Parade. Extending from where you are standing to the ridge almost a mile away, it served as the centerpiece of camp. When units from the various states arrived at Valley Forge in December 1777, their officers brought individual experiences and ideas about military operations and maneuvers. These differing tactics had limited the army’s effectiveness during battle. On the Grand Parade, soldiers from all the states spent months of daily training learning to act as a unified force.
The winter was hard, the differences in experience were vast, and the outcome of the revolution was uncertain. But the result of the soldiers’ training on the Grand Parade was that a stronger, more disciplined and professional national army emerged, with new confidence and a stronger identity as the American army.
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The Result:
Demonstration and Celebration
Imagine it is May 6, 1779. Arrayed on the Grand Parade in front of you are 10,000 Continental soldiers. They are demonstrating their new skills for General Washington and a crowd of dignitaries. This is the gala celebration of the new military alliance with France, which has just been announced. The soldiers move into position for inspection. They form battalions and maneuver around the Grand Parade, as if on the field of battle. At a signal thirteen cannon discharge at once. Like a wave, running muskets fire circles around the Grand Parade. After passing in review, extra rations for everyone. Huzzah!
Erected by Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 40° 5.825′ N, 75° 25.58′ W. Marker is near King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. It is in Upper Merion Township. Marker is on North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in Valley Forge National Historical Park at Stop 2 on the auto tour road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wayne PA 19087, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldiers’ Huts (within shouting distance of this marker); Greene’s Division (within shouting distance of this marker); A City of Huts (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Road to Valley Forge (about 300 feet away); An Essential Position on the Front Line (about 300 feet away); Log City (about 300 feet away); Winter Encampment (about 300 feet away); On the Lookout (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in King of Prussia.
More about this marker. A picture of Baron von Steuben drilling Continental soldiers (by Edwin Austin Abbey, courtesy of Pennsylvania House of Representatives) appears in the center of the marker. It includes a caption of “Prussian General Friedrich Wilhelm de Steuben brought European discipline to the Continental Army. From dawn to dusk his voice was heard above the sounds of marching men as he shouted commands. In simulated battles, he trained them for the eventual campaign they would wage against the British army.”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2019, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2019, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.