<P> They had cause for celebration . As empires, both France and Great Britain had territory around the world that required protection . Sir Henry Clinton replaced General Sir William Howe as British Commander - in - Chief of Land Forces in North America, and had to divert troops from Philadelphia to the Crown's valuable West Indies possessions . The British also feared a French naval blockade of Philadelphia, so in June, Clinton abandoned it for New York City--a loyalist stronghold . On June 18, Washington and his troops marched after them, with the remainders vacating Valley Forge one day later--exactly six months after the Continental Army had arrived . </P> <P> Soon, word of the British departure from Philadelphia brought a frenzied activity to the ranks of the Continental Army . The army marched away from Valley Forge on June 19, 1778, exactly six months after they had arrived, and retook Philadelphia . They later charged in pursuit of the British, who were moving toward New York City . The Battle of Monmouth occurred on June 28, 1778 and resulted in an indecisive victory, though Congress and many newspapers treated it as an American victory, since the British retreated and left the battlefield first . This result demonstrated that the colonists were now able to withstand a strong British army after the intense training at Valley Forge under von Steuben, boosting morale and improving Washington's reputation as the Commander in Chief . </P> <P> The winter at Valley Forge imbued into soldiers a strong will to persevere, endure, and triumph over obstacles and bring independence to the United States . Washington always acknowledged that the perseverance gained by the soldiers at Valley Forge was what made the Continental Army bind together even stronger and eventually win the war . At the same time, however, there were significant numbers of resignations among the officers . It was here, amid the struggles and trials, that Washington developed strong bonds of friendship with the much younger Lafayette . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> The encampment, winter 1777 </Td> <Td> The encampment at Valley Forge in 1778 (1830 engraving by G. Boynton) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Where was the battle of valley forge fought