The Continental Army occupied Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–1778, during the Philadelphia Campaign and the British occupation of Philadelphia. While there, the army suffered from severe shortages of supplies and provisions, while disease and desertion ravaged the ranks. Under the leadership of General George Washington and a rigid training program developed by Friedrich von Steuben, the army became more disciplined and organized. By the time the army left Valley Forge in June 1778, it had become a professional army and was prepared to engage the British as they marched from Philadelphia to New York City.
