<P> Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight military encampments for the Continental Army 's main body , commanded by General George Washington . In September 1777 , British forces had captured the American capital of Philadelphia . After failing to retake the city , Washington led his 12,000 - person army into winter quarters at Valley Forge , located approximately 18 miles ( 29 km ) northwest of Philadelphia . They remained there for six months , from December 19 , 1777 to June 19 , 1778 . At Valley Forge , the Continentals struggled to manage a disastrous supply crisis while retraining and reorganizing their units . About 1,700 to 2,000 soldiers died due to disease , possibly exacerbated by malnutrition . </P>
<P> Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight military encampments for the Continental Army 's main body , commanded by General George Washington . In September 1777 , British forces had captured the American capital of Philadelphia . After failing to retake the city , Washington led his 12,000 - person army into winter quarters at Valley Forge , located approximately 18 miles ( 29 km ) northwest of Philadelphia . They remained there for six months , from December 19 , 1777 to June 19 , 1778 . At Valley Forge , the Continentals struggled to manage a disastrous supply crisis while retraining and reorganizing their units . About 1,700 to 2,000 soldiers died due to disease , possibly exacerbated by malnutrition . </P>
when did the continental army leave valley forge
when did the continental army leave valley forge
June 19 , 1778
June 19 , 1778