On Thursday, June 1 at 7 PM, Ricardo A. Herrera will discuss his new book, Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778 (Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2022) at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

In this major new history of the Continental Army’s Grand Forage of 1778, award-winning military historian Herrera uncovers what daily life was like for soldiers during the darkest and coldest days of the American Revolution: the Valley Forge winter. Here, the army launched its largest and riskiest operation—not a bloody battle against British forces but a campaign to feed itself and prevent starvation or dispersal during the long encampment. Herrera brings to light the army’s herculean efforts to feed itself, support local and Continental governments, and challenge the British Army.

Highlighting the missteps and triumphs of both General George Washington and his officers as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and militiamen, Feeding Washington’s Army moves far beyond oft-told, heroic, and mythical tales of Valley Forge and digs deeply into its daily reality, revealing how close the Continental Army came to succumbing to starvation and how strong and resourceful its soldiers and leaders actually were.

The talk will be held in-person at the Visitor Center and will also be livestreamed. Books will be available for purchase and a book signing with the author will be held after the talk. The event is free to attend but registration is required to attend in person and receive the Zoom link. Click here to register.

This event is hosted by the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society.