Exhaustion. 11,000 soldiers of the American Revolutionary army starving and freezing in Winter Quarters. Shivering sentinels keeping an wary eye on that well fit british forces, safe and warm and captured philadelphia. 20 miles to the southeast. Morning,one chilling 2000 of the ragtag colonials are without shoes, feet wrapped in rags. One third to one half of them are unfit for duty. Before this terrible winter is over, 3000 of them are to die. On the windswept hills and ridges, huts of clay with floors of dirt provide the only shelter. In all the leak lonely , whiteness, the only cover is blood that stains the drifting snow. A revolutionary poet says this for them bitter words and , bitter memories of the war of king george as they left their bloody footprints on the snows of valley forge. Yes, the revolutionary war could have ended here. Yet somehow, this winter of despair becomes the turning point of the revolution. Corps] from it, comes defeat for the , the birth of the United States of america. It comes because of the galant commander of those 11,000 starting men. 11,000 starving men. What is he like . What gives him the ability to rise above defeat and disaster . Lets go back in time to find out about his preparation for destiny. The son of a welltodo virginia planter, he is born in 1732 just above picturesque popes creek. Where enters the Potomac River in westmoreland county. The original brick house is long gone. But on the approximate site is a memorial mansion representing a typical Plantation House of the early 18th century. For 3 years on popes creek, he plays with his pets, panels watches the colts frolicking in the lush pastors, toggles along the shore the gardens and and partly orders rich fields of tobacco and corn. Then georges father, augustine, takes his family 50 miles up the Potomac River to one of his other properties. Little Hunting Creek plantation, later to become George Washingtons own famous mountain mount vernon. , mansion mount vernon. , at that time, only a portion of the current house was in existence. Here, george rides his horses, his first horses across virginia his reddishbrown hair , in the breeze. Watches busy barges weaving along the broad highway of the potomac, sees tobacco being loaded at the wharf. He learns to swim fish. ,but when he is not quite seven years old, he moves again to another family property. Some historians believe that on beautifulsite, with berry farm now vanished in the years overlooking the village of , fredericksburg. On the familys little red ferry george crosses the narrow , Rappahannock River for private tutoring or possibly schooling by a local clergyman in fredericksburg. At least these are some of the theories about his education. It is certain that he learns reading, writing, composition, mathematics, and perhaps a bit of latin. About average for a young man of his age and his station. Hooves galloping] his real education and development come from books and the outdoors life of farm riding, shooting, fishing. Then, his father dies, leaving the 11yearold boy with his mother until he is 21. At the farm. He spends the next few years visiting the plantations of his older half brothers augustine and lawrence. With lawrence at little Hunting Creek, he becomes an expert or smit and learns to fence. At popes creek with augustine, he helps supervise the field hands, learns about tobacco, and and sails oning, the creek and the potomac. One story has it that at berry ferry farm, when he was about 14, he find something that deeply affects his future. In a storage shed he spies an old tripod and compass. They belonged to his father. Young george gets instruction from county surveyors and soon is doing his own surveying on family lands. Then, lord fairfax allows 16yearold george to be an assistant on a trip to explore and survey some of the british noblemans 5 million unexplored acres beyond the blue Ridge Mountains into the belly of the shenandoah. At age 17, george is public surveyor for culpeper county, hoping layout and survey l haven, later to be known as alexandria, virginia. Still later, he takes surveying trips far beyond the tidewater into the wild indian haunted force of the western wilderness. This experience as a woodsman opens his eyes to the wonders of the west and prepares him for his adventures in the french and indian war. 1753, williamsburg, virginia, governor dinwiddie sends washington, now a major in the melissia, 500 miles in the uncharted wilderness to warn the french to stop building forts south of lake erie in the ohio country claimed by the colony of virginia. The french reject the order. In the dead of winter, partly on foot washington returns to , williamsburg, narrowly escaping death from indians and drowning. Washington makes a reputation with his widely discussed report on french aims. Indian allies. And it is clear there will be fortifications. From it it is clear there will be war, bloodshed, and building. , burning on the border. A year later, after recruiting at his headquarters in gatsbys tavern in alexandria, now a Lieutenant Colonel of the virginia regiment, leads a small force to protect the construction of a british port on the ohio. Winning a skirmish against the french and indians, washington and his troops fire some of the earliest shots of the french and indian war. But later, washington is driven back by the french to a ford. Rough log stockade called fort necessity. Bloodied and short of ammunition, his small force thus mated and outnumbered, washington, who has fought gallantly against great odds is , forced to surrender and leave with honor. In 1755, when he is 23, washington comes to Carlisle House in alexandria, headquarters of a british Major General edward braddock. In this very room, he is invited to join braddock in these Disastrous Campaign to force the friends from the ohio. Despite washingtons warnings, braddock foolishly chooses to battle in lines in the open. The french and indians fight from the cover of the forest. Wilderness style. The result, the confused english redcoats are routed and slaughtered. Brave roddick has horses shot five from under him. All fatally wounded. Ever at braddocks side, attempting to rally the forces, washington miraculously escaped injury while two horses were shot from under him. And bullets riddle his hat and uniform. Back home, and only 24, he is promoted to colonel of the first virginia regiment, defending a commander of all becoming troops defending a 400 mile , bloody border. Short of soldiers and supplies he becomes an experienced , commander and frontier fighter, effective training for the revolutionary war two decades ahead. Think of George Washington as we invariably think of mount vernon. His elegant mansion on a bluff overlooking the broad potomac. He inherits the estate from Brother Lawrence who dies when washington is 20. At he rents it from lawrences first widow until nine years later when he claims the title upon her death. As we move today over the picturesque grounds, and through the beautiful rooms of the house he loved so well we must remember that we see it as it finally was when he died at centurys end. But this is a convenient time to appreciate mount vernon even though we do not follow chronologically the additions and changes. In the 47 year. For example, one addition, the graceful, high column piazza, one of the more striking features, runs the entire length of the mansion. Some lovely ladies play an important part in mount vernon. Attractive widow, Martha Dandridge custus, who george marys at 27. The others are the ladies of the union for more than 100 years, maintained the mansion as a National Shrine open to the public. This is the map washington draws of the five farms eventually five farms totaling eventually make up the mount eventually make up the mount 8000 acres, that vernon estate. From an office in the library, he directs, posts accounts, and maintains his papers and books. On horseback each day, rain or shine, he rides out to supervise, inspect, and plan. Approaching] a progressive farmer, he is concerned with crop rotation, ornamented shrubs corn and , wheat, horse breeding, the the herring that his fishermen bring from the potomac. His gristmill from which highgrade flower is shipped to the west indies is a profitable industry. Washington, admires stately trees and all growing things, builds this handsome garden and greenhouse. The social and recreational life is a busy one. An outstanding horseman, he loves to ride two hounds. He enjoys playing cards and billiards. Takes pleasure in music, dancing and theatricals. Often attending balls and plays in williamsburg and alexandria. Music] [violin music] hospitality and guests are important at mount vernon. A busy place in a kitchen, and a separate building, where pigs are roasted over a spit in the huge fireplace. Food is brought to the main house, then the family dining room. With a large number of visitors, the banquet room is used. Guests are impressed with the lovely windows and handsome mirrors. 200 years have done little to dim the beauty of the west parlor, one of the finest surviving examples of colonial virginia interiors. Washington is an active churchman his whole life. Vestry men at the church of the woods in alexandria, and at the church of the falls. 15 miles northwest. He helped direct construction of the Parish Church of mount vernon. And as a trustee for many years. He is also a trustee of alexandria, a director of its bank, a justice of the peace, first master of the alexandria masonic lodge, and one of the founders of the friendship fire company, for which he buys the first fire engine at pumper. He is elected and reelected to the Virginia House of burgesses in williamsburg, the legislature of the colony, the first time when he is 26. His understanding of government rose in pace with his reputation as a clear, dependable, courageous thinker. Respectede while as a experienced veteran of french and indian wars. And a colonel in the first virginia regiment. He maintains a leading place in military establishment. The colonies military establishment. Washingtons wide range of actions in military and Civic Affairs begin to find , recognition beyond the borders of the colony of virginia, leaving him inevitably to the National Destiny for which fate seemingly has prepared him so well. The problems that will flare into the american revolution, cast their shadows over mount vernon. Or George Washingtons pleasant and active life is about to be shattered. Fate will call on him to rise heroically above adversity, to bring victory from disaster. A victory that will make possible a new nation. His initial training under fire in the french and indian wars, and the grim heroism at valley forge, though separated by two decades, are linked by that chain of destiny. George washingtons crucial role in the revolution is characterized by the solemn words of fiery patriot thomas payne. These are the times that try mens souls. Himaps the die is cast for by the shadow of the church in the woods in Alexandria One sunday in 1774. Washington announces two fellow virginians that he is ready to withdraw his allegiance from george the third and fight for the independence of the 13 colonies. 43 when he isjust selected for the second continental congress, as the commanderinchief of the military forces. As a frontier colonel, he realizes he knows little of the problems of high command. He what he lacks experience, makes up in determination. And courage. He takes command of the untrained, motley army in 1775 in cambridge in july to the british held city of boston. A stern disciplinarian, washington will not tolerate a rabble in arms. He deals firmly with offenders. And brings order about chaos. As the declaration of independence is being approved by the second continental congress, washington begins eight and a half long years of badgering a slow and confuse congress for money, men and materials. While recruitment posters go up throughout the colonies, he wins the first round from the british by daringly fortifying the heights run boston and forcing the enemy to evacuate. But his fortunes quickly turn. Byost trapped in york generals vastly spear forces, washington hastily retreats at the last minute. It is a dark. As the commander pursued by the british, leads his ill equipped army across new jersey into pennsylvania. The british believe washington is just about finished. Against him, odds he courageously turns and strikes. Leading 2400 troops across the ice choked delaware river. Night, 1776, washington catches the british mercenaries, the hessians napping. The hessian commander is killed. 1000 prisoners and supplies all go to washington. Food,t funds and enough ammunition and troops, he cannot capitalize on his success. The revolution becomes a conflict of endurance. Who will hold out longest . The well supplied, tough, experienced british . Or the hungry, ill clothed, continental forces . Washington is hounded throughout the revolution by a question. Hiscan he hold together tottering, unpaved troops . That question pounds in washingtons mind in december, 1777. As is 11,000 exhausted, starving, shivering troops, march toward winter encampment. The british, safe, warm and reasonably well fed, and captured philadelphia. Washington, who has lost 2000 men in recent battles, now must fight Winter Quarters close enough to keep and i on the enemy. Win swept valley forge, 20 maus northwest of philadelphia. Staining thed snow, feet in rags, the unpaved gaunt continentals trench warily up the road. Sharing his troops hardships, washington pitches his tent on this very spot. On a bitter cold december 19th. Remaining here until christmas eve, directing the hungry freezing armies work to cut trees and build almost a thousand crude log huts checked with twigs and clay. The starving soldiers drink melted ice, eat fire cakes of course flour, as they shiver on the wooden bunks and dirt floors. The general officers find shelter in nearby farmhouses. Breweder officers have huts little better than their men. Most of his troops undercover, washington moved his headquarters to a small stone farmhouse and turns his full administrative attention to the tremendous task of keeping the army alive and fed in the bitter cold. From this office and the dining room, he sends a stream of letters to a haggling congress, begging for supplies and replacements. In the adjoining room, he meets with his generals on the tactical problems of how to protect valley forge in case of british attack. General knox wields his artillery into place ready to wheels it into place ready to move it at a moments notice on any of the forts being bells, fort greene and fort berg which control the writ from philadelphia, fort star, commanding the show kyl river, fort huntington, guarding the runt north. And Fort Washington overlooking the value asked the valley of chester county. Observation posts are set up in the high trees amount joy to warn of possible british attacks. As it turns out there are no battles you hear, unless it is the battle of the spirit for survival. On,he bleak winter moves supplies fail to arrive. Valley forge becomes an incredible saga of physical suffering and heroism. Shoes onare without the frozen bridges and streams. From one quarter to one half of them are unfit for duty on almost any single day. The small dreadfully overcrowded hospitals cannot begin to care for the diseased and dying. 3000 soldiers find eternal rest under the snowy mentals at valley forge and that general area of pennsylvania. In february arrives baron von steuben, a tough drill master, turning the parade grounds, slowly changing the ragged troops fighting machine. Into an efficient finally, spring arrives. The school kilt runs thick with chad and at long last, the soldiers eat their fill. In may, 1778 an alliance with the french. This the marquis de lafayette, is specially brightens the heart of one of washingtons able generals. Rejoicing troops review smartly before the commander on the grand parade, ready to pursue the british. The enemy had waited in vain for the American Army to starve and collapse. Instead, the continentals marched out of the winter encampment a determined fighting force. The war itself could have ended here at valley forge. And with it, independence from the colonies of the colonies. But washingtons courage and determination mark this turning point in the american revolution. There are still bitter battles and extremely difficult times ahead. Washington is shocked and satisfy that treachery of one of his generals, benedict arnold. Majorots for the british to betray the strategic west point fortress to the enemy. In the face of adversities washington and his comrades in , arms persevere. Eventual victory is assured in 1781 when french allies help washington force a british surrender at yorktown. Washington is deeply moved when he finally says farewell to his officers, and many we poke with me. Many weepgns openly. As he resigned his commission he , is still vigorous. Yet eight years of terrible strain have left their mark. But he is happy at long last to come back to his beloved mount vernon as a gentleman farmer. The plantations are run down and desperately need close attention but the affairs of the new nation take up much of his time and thoughts. He views with dismay the chaotic political and financial conditions that threaten its very existence. He appends long letters to leaders everywhere urging and indissoluble union and process for an early constitutional convention, at which he presides in 1787. Almost by his stature alone, he holds the convention together, forcing compromise of the diversions views to achieve a strong government with power to tax. What follows is inevitable. A morning ride over the plantation, he stands in the library of mount vernon to be advised formally that the electors have unanimously chosen him as first president of the United States. He is reluctant but he sees that he cannot refuse a genuine call from the people. At his mothers fredericksburg home, he receives her blessing before going to new york city where he arrives at the battery by barge to be inaugurated on , the balcony of federal hall as crowds cheer below. Attacking the vertical problems of the new nation with painstaking thoroughness, has a ministrations over the next eight years are marked with caution. Wiser than all of his partisan advisors, he realizes how to protect the young republic. He steers a careful course of neutrality in the war between england and france. Despite the pressures of powerful proponents of both sides. He tries to avoid a second term but the demand is too great. Jefferson comes to mount vernon to urge his acceptance. Days asories of his own a surveyor, he presides at the laying of the cornerstone for the capital the new federal city soon to be named after him. A city soon to be named after him. He feels old and tired when he firmly refuses a third term and comes home to mount vernon for the sunset years of his life with his family. A stream of letters and visitors keep him in touch with public affairs. At night, he reviews the public papers he has accumulated in his and answers voluminous correspondence. Gives advice to the he inspects the farm and overseers, writing almost every day regardless of the weather. It is after he spends the morning working on some improvements on the farm in a cold, wintry day in 1799 that he comes down with acute laryngitis. The next day, he thinks rapidly. [wind howling] with several doctors and his family at his bedside, the courageous old soldier says, i die hard, but i am not afraid to go. Less than two hours before midnight on december 14, George Washington dies without pain or struggle. He is 67. The bell in the presbyterian unit house in alexandria mournfully tolls continuously for four days. He is entombed in the simple family fault overlooking the potomac until instructions in his well for a new crypt can be carried out. But it is not until 1831 that surviving executors remove bodies of server general and misses washington to the stately tomb nearby where they rested today. This soaring tower piercing the sky and the Nations Capital is probably the bestknown of the many monuments honoring the memory of George Washington, marking the stature of a great man who played a leading role in the events that epochmaking shaped our young republic. In this same city stands the George Washington masonic national memorial, housing many mementos of the war of independence, reminding a grateful nation that this war might have been lost without his steadfast leadership. Memorial chapel and bell tower amemorial chapel and bell tower at valley forge is a shrine to the heroism of George Washington and his soldiers. This granite shaft stands at washingtons virginia birthplace. From here he went, neither trained as a military tactician nor educated as a statesman to do memorable things , in the face of overwhelming odds. It is no wonder that a life such as this has resulted in myths, fables, and fantasies that have made him a superman. But he was instead a real man of iron will, capable of anger and love, dedication and despair, disappointment and devotion. The mark of the man can be seen at valley forge. Despite seemingly he knew that insurmountable difficulties he knew that, somehow he must keep alive a starting army in the freezing, snowbound encampment, to win a victory. The victory that led to the america of today. His courage, indeed, was the courage that made a nation. The National Archives holdings in college park, maryland, include 13,000 films and videos from the United States information agency. Between 1953 and 1999, the agency just her beaded films around the world agency distributed films around the world to educate foreign audiences about the american system. Next, harry s. Truman, president of the United States, a short biography created by an independent producer while the 33rd president was in his first term