The Grand Parade
Cannon smoke clouds the fields below. A roar of muskets crisscrosses the Grand Parade as thousands of double-ranked troops perform a feu de joie (“fire of joy.”)
To celebrate the signing of the French Treaty of Alliance, General Washington reviews the troops of the entire encampment May 6, 1778. The Grand Parade becomes a showplace for the newly trained and disciplined Continental Army – a tribute to Baron von Steuben’s intensive drilling.
The signing of the Treaties of Commerce and Alliance with France was a crucial step forward victory. For the first time, a major power officially recognized the independence of the United States, assuring a steady flow of foreign aid. France soon became Great Britain’s open enemy.
Marker is at the intersection of Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) and Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling east on Valley Forge Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
