Upper Merion Township near Valley Forge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Training for Victory
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
1. Training for Victory Marker
Like a drill sergeant, Inspector General Friedrich von Steuben trains eyeball to eyeball with a company of Continentals. This model company must serve as an example to the rest of Washington’s army.
The Grand Parade, here at the center if the encampment, is the only terrain expansive enough for drilling massed brigades. In simulated battle, Steuben sends troops back and forth across rough ground, preparing for the impending campaign against the British.
“Fix…bayonets”
Steuben stressed bayonet drill. Before this time, the Americans had never been trained in close fighting. Yet bayonet charges decided the outcome of most battles in the 18th century.
Erected by Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 40° 6.184′ N, 75° 26.797′ W. Marker is near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. It is in Upper Merion Township. It is at the intersection of Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) and Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling east on Valley Forge Road. Marker is on the auto tour road of the Valley Forge National
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Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben (here, next to this marker); Grand Parade Trail (here, next to this marker); The Grand Parade (a few steps from this marker); Varnum’s Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Huntington’s Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Huntington’s Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); “Crowded and Very Sickly” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Varnum’s Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valley Forge.
More about this marker. Illustrations in the background of the marker and with the sidebar depict the training of the Continental Army.
Also see . . . General von Steuben. National Park Service page detailing the contributions of General von Steuben. (Submitted on February 24, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 20, 2010
2. Valley Forge Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, March 20, 2010
3. Marker and von Steuben Statue
A statue of Baron Friendrich von Steubencan be seen in the photo in front of the Training for Victory Marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
4. General Friedrich von Steuben
Baron von Steuben prepared the Continental Army for their next encounter with the British army, which would happen at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey on June 28, 1778.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
5. Detail of von Steuben statue
Plaque shows von Steuben drilling members of the Continental Army.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
6. Closeup of von Steuben statue
Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,528 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3. submitted on March 20, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
