Speaker Series: Feeding Washington’s Army: The Valley Forge Winter of 1778

Feeding Washington’s Army is the first serious study of the Continental Army’s Grand Forage of 1778. Award winning historian Ricardo A. Herrera uncovers the story behind the army’s fatal crisis and its largest and riskiest operation to sustain itself and prevent starvation or dispersal while encamped at Valley Forge. He brings to light the army’s herculean efforts to feed its soldiers, support local and Continental governments, and challenge the British Army, even as it starved amid a land of plenty. In telling the story, Herrera highlights George Washington’s maturing strategic insight and willingness to take risks in the face of the enemy. Examining some rarely used archival sources, and based on extensive research in the US, England, and Scotland, Herrera tells a little known, but important story about the Continental Army’s survival at Valley Forge.

Dr. Ricardo A. Herrera is Visiting Professor, Department of National Security and Strategy, US Army War College, and an award-winning author. Before joining the Army War College, Rick Herrera was Professor of Military History at the School of Advanced Military Studies, US Army Command and General Staff College. A graduate of Marquette University (PhD, 1998) and the University of California, Los Angeles (1984), Herrera was previously a historian on the Staff Ride Team at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and taught at Mount Union College and Texas Lutheran University. He has also served as an armor and cavalry officer in the US Army. Dr. Herrera is the author of two books, with a third in the works, and has penned numerous articles and chapters on US military history.

Host or Publisher Valley Forge Park Alliance