The Muster Roll Project
The Valley Forge Muster Roll, a project of the Valley Forge Park Alliance, is dedicated to those who were at winter quarters from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. The Continental Army used monthly muster rolls to track the army’s strength. Each roll contains names, ranks, dates of enlistment, and other notes on soldiers’ assignments, activities, or conditions.
New entries are welcomed based on providing the following kinds of primary documentation. You may also contact us to provide additional information about individuals that are currently listed on the Valley Forge Muster Roll.
Suggested documentation
To be added to the Valley Forge Muster Roll, please provide the following primary documentation:
- Payroll stub
- Application for a Pension
- Discharge papers
- Original Muster Roll records
Please send documentation to musterroll@vfparkalliance.org or mail to:
Valley Forge Park Alliance
Attention: Muster Roll
P.O. Box 117
Valley Forge, PA 19481
For additional information in authenticating your ancestry, please visit www.fold3.com.
Quote of the Month
General Washington’s Observations on the
Battle of Germantown (October 4, 1777)
George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1777
To John Hancock
Camp near Pennibeckers Mill [Pa.] Octr 5: 1777.
Sir
,,,
Upon the whole, it may be said the day was rather unfortunate, than injurious. We sustained no material loss of Men and brought off all our Artillery, except One peice which was dismounted; The Enemy are nothing the better by the event, and our Troops, who are not in the least dispirited by it, have gained what All young Troops gain by being in Actions. We have had however several valuable Officers killed and wounded—particularly the latter. Genl Nash is among the Wounded and his life is despaired of. As soon as it is possible to obtain a return of our loss, I will transmit it.
In justice to Genl Sullivan and the whole right wing of the Army, whose conduct I had an Opportunity of observing, as they acted immediately under my eye, I have the pleasure to inform you, that both Officers & Men behaved with a degree of Gallantry that did them the highest honor. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obed. Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. As I have observed, I have not received a Return of ⟨our⟩ loss, but from what ⟨I have⟩ just now learnt from Genl Greene, I fear it is more considerable than I at first apprehended in Men. The Cannon mentioned above is said to have been brought off in a Waggon.
Personalized Muster Roll Certificate and Mug
Commemorate your distinguished heritage with personalized products specific to your ancestor.
To Purchase: Click here to search the Muster Roll for your ancestor. Click MORE DETAILS. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view information that will appear on your personalized Muster Roll Certificate and/or Muster Roll Mug.
Please visit Shop to view and purchase other encampment-related products.
Support the Muster Roll
This project, a fully volunteer operation, needs your support so that all of the soldiers that encamped at Valley Forge will be remembered well into our shared future. We welcome your support to maintain the Muster Roll as a free service so that everyone can discover or add to the legacy of the brave Americans at Valley Forge.
Add your name to the Honorary Muster Roll when you make a tax-deductible contribution of $20 or more. Thank you for your generosity.
Yours in Service to our Shared Heritage,
The Valley Forge Park Alliance
Painting courtesy of Don Troiani