“The Ground Necessary”

Abstract

In order to examine the spatial layout and organization of the encampment at Valley Forge, this chapter describes the results of a sampling from an archaeological transect through its Wayne’s Woods section. The transect started from a forward-moving area at the outskirts and continued along a defensive entrenchment, moving through soldiers’ huts, officers’ huts, and, finally, through the camp kitchens and sutlers’ area, which were the more centrally located sections of the camp. The research provided information about the status differences between soldiers and officers, including their diets, defensive entrenchments and earthworks, and routines and activities. It also demonstrated that organization of the Wayne’s Wood section followed the general outline of von Steuben’s orders.