Visiting Valley Forge

How much do you know about Valley Forge? We’ve heard about it all our lives in elementary history class, but what can you actually tell me about Valley Forge? Recently, while we were out on a road trip, our family took the time to stop and visit Valley Forge near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not only did we get a good stretch break, but we also learned alot about our American history.

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Visiting Valley Forge

There is a nice Visitors Center that offers great interactive exhibits and a chance to learn about the encampment during the time George Washington and his soldiers were there. You can tour the Visitors Center & Museum area for a FREE self-guided tour and do not need to make reservations.

The kids immediately took advantage of the chance to have their picture taken as colonial Americans.

There is a timeline that shows you where the army was during the Valley Forge encampment as well as exhibits showing you the tools of each trade that would have been used at Valley Forge.

Once you finish at the Visitors Center, you can take the auto tour and view the cabins that mark the various landmarks of Valley Forge.

Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honors the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

One of the highlight landmarks is the Memorial Arch that stands as a tribute to honor the generals and troops that fought and served at Valley Forge.

The United States National Memorial Arch, located at the intersection of Outerline Drive and Gulph Road, was erected to commemorate the arrival of General George Washington and his Continental Army into Valley Forge.

Washington’s Headquarters

The small building known as Washington’s Headquarters was the place where General George Washington and his staff lived and worked for the six months of the Valley Forge winter encampment. Beginning on May 23, visitors will be delighted by a fully restored building and completely new facilities surrounding it

You can tour the headquarters at no charge and see what the house and rooms would have looked like when George Washington and his staff were there.

Visiting Valley Forge is a great way to learn about the history of our country and the Generals and soldiers who served to win our freedom. Have you been here? Do you think it’s important to visit historical places like this? I’d love to hear!