Episode 29 – Valley Forge with Nancy Bristow

During the Winter of 1777-78 George Washington wintered the American Army at Valley Forge, only 18 miles from the British occupied capitol city of Philadelphia. During the harsh winter Washington had the Prussian Baron von Steuben train and drill the army so that by the next spring he had an effective fighting force. Valley Forge became a symbol of American resilience and determination. This low point has been seen in other American wars during the Civil War after the First Battle of Bull Run, the attack on Pearl Harbor at the beginning or World War II, the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War, and the attacks of 9/11. Vashon Island has seen similar low points and responded as well with the formation of the Westside Transportation Company in the 1910s and its own Ferry District in the 1940s, and with the creation of the Ferry Alliance and Islanders for Ferry Action in the 2000s to address unacceptable ferry service.