Upper Merion Township near Valley Forge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Grand Parade
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
1. The Grand Parade Marker
Cannon smoke clouds the fields below. A roar of muskets crisscrosses the Grand Parade as thousands of double-ranked troops perform a feu de joie (“fire of joy.”)
To celebrate the signing of the French Treaty of Alliance, General Washington reviews the troops of the entire encampment May 6, 1778. The Grand Parade becomes a showplace for the newly trained and disciplined Continental Army – a tribute to Baron von Steuben’s intensive drilling.
The signing of the Treaties of Commerce and Alliance with France was a crucial step forward victory. For the first time, a major power officially recognized the independence of the United States, assuring a steady flow of foreign aid. France soon became Great Britain’s open enemy.
Erected by National Park Service Valley Forge National Historical Park Dept. 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. A significant historical date for this entry is May 6, 1807.
Location. 40°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Training for Victory (a few steps from this marker); Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben (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); 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Regiments (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valley Forge.
More about this marker. The background on the marker is an illustration depicting a ceremonial salute firing. In the upper right is a portrait of Major General Friedrich von Steuben. Below the portrait is a "Satire published in 1778 showing France – an avenging angel – saving Philadelphians from the British."
Also see . . . Valley Forge. National Park Service site. (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, February 22, 2007
3. The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade was located in the center of the Valley Forge encampment.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
4. Baron von Steuben
The Grand Parade marker is located near this statue of Gen. von Steuben.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, February 22, 2007
5. Satire detail
Satire published in 1778 showing France – an avenging angel – saving Philadelphians from the British.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,306 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on March 20, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
