Spotlight: Pennsylvania - Valley Forge

Spotlight: On December 19, 1977, the Continental Army marched to Valley Forge to spend the winter. The site was chosen so that the army could keep an eye on the British (who were spending the winter in Philadelphia), and protect the supply depot in Reading. Over the next six months, the approximately 12,000 soldiers, who thus far had worked as independent divisions from the various states, worked together to survive the harsh winter conditions. Only about one in three soldiers had shoes, and more than 2,000 soldiers died that winter, despite the fact that they didn't fight a single battle here. Instead of the British, their enemies here were hunger, disease, and the weather. Working together, and drilling together under the supervision of Baron Friedrich von Steuben of Prussia, helped the individual groups form a cohesive army under the command of General George Washington.

Baron Friedrich von Steuben

     The camp included about 500 women and children, including Martha Washington, who served as laundresses washing and mending uniforms, as well as providing emotional support to the homesick soldiers. Women received half the rations and pay as soldiers, as well as half pensions following the war.
     Valley Forge State Park earned national park status in 1976 as part of the U.S.'s bicentennial celebration. It contains 3,500 acres of land with miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, restored buildings, museums, monuments, and recreational facilities.

Location: Valley Forge National Historical Park is located at 1400 N Outer Line Drive; King of Prussia, PA about 23 1/2 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The easiest way to reach the National Park from Philadelphia is (appropriately) via Interstate 76.

Cost: free; tours cost extra

Time: The park is open from 7:00 am - dark. The Visitor Center is open from 9 am-5 pm daily, and stays open until 6:00 pm from mid-June through mid-August. Other buildings have their own schedule: Washington's Headquarters, the Train Station, Washington Memorial Chapel, Chapel Cabin Shop, and Varnum's Quarters. You should plan on staying between 2-4 hours.

Description: There are various methods of exploring Valley Forge National Historical Park. Tour options include: the Trolley Tour, the Bicycle Tour, a Ranger-led Walking Tour, Private Tours, or a self-guided tour. The self-guided tour follows the 10-mile Encampment Tour Route and takes you past most of the scenic views and historical monuments - such as the magnificent National Memorial Arch (dedicated to the officers and soldiers who served there). You can just follow the map, or listen to the 60 minute audio tour.

National Memorial Arch

     One of the most popular activities is the Living History reenactments that take place at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts from 10 am - 4 pm daily during the summer months, and on weekends during the fall. Reconstructed log cabins similar to those used by the soldiers are found throughout the park.

     The Visitor Center houses an excellent collection of exhibits that show what life was like at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Don't miss the 18-minute introductory film Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment shown at the park theater. Also, visitors can hear stories about Valley Forge on the Story Telling Benches located near the Visitor Center and at the Train Station.

silver dollar, 2 half dollars, 4 quarters, and 8 bits

Continental Army uniform

     Washington's Headquarters has been restored and refurbished to appear as it did during the winter of 1777-78. Adjacent to Washington's HQ, visitors can visit the restored Valley Forge Train Station that serves the famous Reading Railroad.

Reading Railroad Train Station 

Washington's Headquarters

     The Washington Memorial Chapel and National Patriots Bell Tower carillon sit on a hill just outside the Park. They are part of the legacy of Reverend Dr. W Herbert Burk, who was instrumental in developing the Park. The chapel hosts an active Episcopal congregation as well as many park visitors. The grounds also host the World of Scouting Museum.

     The Park hosts a variety of annual events. These include: Martin Luther King Day of Service, Washington's Birthday Party, Join the Continental Army, The Revolutionary 5-mile Run, National Junior Ranger Day, Memorial Day Observance, March Out of the Continental Army (6/19), July 4 Community Picnic in the Park, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day Commemoration, March in the Continental Army (12/19). For dates and details, go to http://www.valleyforge.org/things-to-do/national-park/events/

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The bicycle tour is a five mile, two hour guided tour available for guests 12 years and up for a price of $10. Bicycles may be rented for an additional $15. For additional information, call 610-783-4593. Visitors may also use bicycles to explore the park's 21 miles of bike trails.
- The film is shown every half hour from 9:30-4:00 pm.
- In addition to bike trails, the park has 19.5 miles of marked hiking trails.
- There are 17 miles of horse trails in the parks, but there are restrictions on where the horses may go.
- The Schuleykill River and Valley Creek are popular with local fishermen. Although you may fish, the park has a strict catch-and-release only policy.
- Valley Forge NHP has three picnic areas. The Betzwood Picnic area, on the northern end of the park, has grills available.
- A fun activity for kids is a special program called Secrets and Spies, in which participants are spies, and must thwart a plot to kidnap General Washington. The program is held on Saturdays at 12:30 pm at the Train Station platform.

Nearby: Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Medal of Honor Grove, Wharton Escherick Studio, Elmwood Park Zoo, Washington Crossing Historic Park