Valley Forge FAQs

Slave on the boat with Washington

Q.Was there an African slave in the boat when Washington crossed the Delware River?
rosita, wilbraham, MA

A.Supposedly, an African American man by the name of Prince Whipple was in the boat with Washington when he crossed the Delaware. The event occurred in 1776 — a year before the Valley Forge encampment. For more information, you can try visiting a site associated with the "Crossing of the Delaware."

• www.spiritof76.com/wchp/index.html
• www.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Historical_Museum/DAM/mg/mg438.htm
• www.nj.com/outdoors/parks/washington.html
• www.fieldtrip.com/nj/97370623.htm

SAS, Courtesy The Valley Forge Historical Society