Washington preferred the latter, chiefly because it was near enough to Philadelphia to enable him to keep watch on the movements of the British troops in that city.

Valley Forge! One of the names in human history associated with the maximum of suffering and distress, with magnificent patience, sacrifice, and glory.
The surrounding hills were covered with woods and presented an inhospitable appearance.

The choice was severely criticised, and de Kalb described it as a wilderness.

But the position was central and easily defended.

The army arrived there about the middle of December, and the erection of huts began.