How to See Valley Forge National Park

Take yourself back to our struggle for independence from Britain. Come walk the land at Valley Forge; the place where George Washington's strong leadership helped the Patriots survive and prepared them to triumph in liberty. Many historians consider the encampment at Valley Forge to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War. Many tourists and locals from Philadelphia consider it to be one of the most pleasant recreational spots in the area. All park facilities at Valley Forge are available at no charge.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Start at the Visitor's Center of Valley Forge. There is a half hour movie that gives an overview of the events at Valley Forge. Get maps and tour details, and talk to rangers. In the museum, hoist a musket, look up soldiers' names, and see real artifacts used by Patriot soldiers and camp followers in the winter and spring of 1777-78. There's a nice bookstore too.

2. Rangers at Valley Forge help make history come alive. Many times during the year, rangers and Revolutionary War reenactors in period dress will have special events like musket firings and candlelight tours for park visitors. Check the link to the Park' s official website below for the current schedule.

3. 
    

   The winter and spring of 1777-1778 was tough for the Continental army. This beautiful land is where our Continental troops camped in hand-hewn log huts while the British comfortably occupied Philadelphia. Thousands of Patriots died during that 6 month period. Not from battle, since no battles were fought here, but from disease. You can go inside these historically accurate replicas of the huts. Pretend that you are a revolutionary Private, and will be sleeping here on a bed of straw. Eleven of your snoring, coughing fellows will be with you.

4. 
    

   This stern looking man was essential in training the 12,000 under-prepared Continentals at Valley Forge. Baron Von Steuben was a Prussian officer who did not speak English, yet whipped the troops into shape, teaching them to march, load, fire, and take care of their weapons, and everything else they needed to become an efficient fighting force.

5. You can see the parade grounds that the statue of Von Steuben overlooks. This is where Washington, Von Steuben, and other officers reviewed the soldiers in their ranks and files.

6. 
    

   "Mad" Anthony Wayne sits atop his horse, and welcomes you to his picnic area. According to Ranger Pete, they called this General mad not because he was angry or crazy, but because he was an aggressive officer who wanted to be on the attack rather than the defense. Nearby Wayne, Pennsylvania is named after him, as are Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a local Philadelphia area establishment called Mad Anthony's Bar and Grill.

7. 
    

   This is the beautiful Memorial Arch at Valley Forge. There is a quote from George Washington engraved at the top of it. Because of its beauty and significance, it has been the site of many proposals of marriage and weddings.

8. This article has shown you just some of the highlights of a visit to Valley Forge National Park. Be sure to tour the Potts House, which was Washington's headquarters, Varnum's quarters, and other monuments. See the redoubts (earthen forts), lots of deer, a covered bridge, streams, hills, and gorgeous PA flora and fauna in every season.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, it is nice to come see the park in each of the four seasons. The beauty is incomparable.
• Visiting in the winter shows you how it was for the soldiers when they had to build their huts and survive here in the cold.
• Don't miss the active Episcopal Church known as Washington's Chapel. It is adjacent to the park, and has stained glass windows depicting scenes from Washington's life, and amazing wood carvings.
• Give yourself plenty of time to take in the sites here. Half to a full day of learning and relaxation is warranted, in my opinion.

Resources

• Valley Forge National Historical Park (Official Site)

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 2/19/2009 Great article on visiting an important landmark. Thanks!

[andre7514]

on 12/15/2008 Wonderful attraction to visit, and nice pictures. Great article!!!

[dsarokin]

on 12/15/2008 It's quite a good park, and I appreciate having your article remind me of my years-ago visit. I recall the Rangers there as esepcially knowledgable and 'in character" for the time.