What kind of shoes did people wear in the 18th century? Did soldiers really leave bloody marks on the frozen ground as they marched into Valley Forge in 1777? All your burning Revolutionary War-era shoe questions will be answered in this five-part series about the footwear worn by soldiers and camp followers during the Valley Forge winter encampment of the Continental Army.
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Article 1: Gaining Traction
Special attachments for shoes allowed for greater stability when walking in mud, ice, and snow. Read more
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Article 2: Supply Challenges
Supplying the soldiery with adequate shoes was difficult, even with help from France. Read more
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Article 3: Tracked by Their Blood Upon the Rough Frozen Ground
Did soldiers really leave behind streaks of blood when they marched into Valley Forge? Read more
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Article 4: Strong Symptoms of Discontent
How did soldiers endure long marches on frozen ground with sub-standard footwear? Read more
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Article 5: Happily Suppressed
What amount of misery and privation might lead a Continental Army soldier to mutiny? Read more