Soldiers at Valley Forge in Winter — Reading Comprehension

During the winter of 1777, the Continental Army set up camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Their leader, General George Washington, knew his men needed rest and training. They had just fought several battles in the Revolutionary War and were tired, hungry, and cold.

The soldiers built small log huts to shelter themselves. They had little food and warm clothing. Many men did not even have shoes. Some wrapped their feet in rags to keep warm. The cold weather made every day hard. Some men became sick, and a few even died. Still, most soldiers did not give up.

General Washington worked hard to keep his army together. He wrote, "To see men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lay on, without shoes... is a mark of patience beyond description." Washington asked the leaders in Congress for help. He also welcomed a new helper, Baron von Steuben, a soldier from Europe. Von Steuben taught the men how to drill and fight better. The army trained every day in the snow, learning new skills and becoming stronger.

By spring, the soldiers had changed. They were better trained and felt like a real team. When the army left Valley Forge, they were ready to fight for freedom. Their unity and hard work helped them win more battles later in the war.

Interesting Fact: Martha Washington, George Washington’s wife, visited Valley Forge to help care for the sick and boost the soldiers’ spirits.

Where did soldiers camp in winter 1777?

Who led the Continental Army?

What did soldiers build for shelter?

Why was Valley Forge hard for soldiers?

Who helped train the army?

How did soldiers change by spring?

The army left Valley Forge ready to fight. True or false?

What does unity mean?