Exploring Valley Forge

Exploring Valley Forge Valley Forge received its name from the iron forge The recommended first stop is the park’s visitor These, plus replicated huts, memorials, monu- Other points of interest include trace remains at the visitor center. For a fee, the tour provides hibited on the bike/foot trails and all park roads. built along Valley Creek in the 1740s. By the time center. There an 18-minute film, shown every 30 ments, and markers, help to tell the story of the of historic roads, the site of Fatland Ford—the a more direct and informative way to travel to Mountain bikes are restricted to established and of the Revolution, a sawmill and gristmill had been minutes, provides an introduction to life during men who, at Valley Forge, helped to write an low-water-crossing point used by the British the most historically significant areas in the approved trails and park roads. Cross-country use added, making the place an im por tant supply base the encampment. Displays and artifacts in the im perishable chapter in the history of America’s army en route to capturing the patriot capital park. A cell phone tour is also available. Just look through fields and wooded areas is prohibited. for the Americans. The Brit ish destroyed the forge ex hibit area illustrate what life was like in the struggle for independence. of Phila del phia—and the site of Sullivan’s Bridge, for the cell phone tour icon at various places Please do not picnic or en gage in recreational and mills in 1777, and only ruins remained at the camp. A wide range of publications and theme- a temporary structure based on a Roman design throughout the park, then dial 484-396-1018. activities near historic sites and buildings. Drive time of the encampment. related items are available in the Encampment Many nearby homes and farmhouses became and built early in the encampment to link Follow the prompts to learn more about the park’s and park vehicles only in designated areas. Pets Store. Information on restaurants, over night quarters for general officers during the encamp- Washington’s army with important supply and many significant features. must be leashed and at tended at all times. The National Park Service provides various pro- ac com mo dations, and other attractions in the ment. Political feelings in the area were divided, patrol areas in the country to the north. A flood grams, tours, and other interpretive activities to great er Valley Forge area is also available at the with most residents wishing to be left free from washed out Sullivan’s Bridge shortly after the The park has three picnic areas: Varnum’s, For More Information help you understand the significance of the events visitor center. the conflict. The occupation of Valley Forge end ed army abandoned camp. A historical marker along Wayne’s Woods, and Betzwood. No open fires Valley Forge National Historical Park associated with Valley Forge and the en campment that wish and brought the war to their door- the River Trail marks the bridge’s location. The are permitted, but the Betzwood area has grills 1400 North Outer Line Drive of 1777–78. Park rangers make every effort to A self-guiding tour route (see map below) takes step. Some officer quarters still stand, although marker is accessible only from the north side of that may be used for fires. Picnicking is on a King of Prussia, PA 19406-1009 accommodate all visitors in these presentations. you past extensive remains and replicas of major most of these have been altered over the years. the Schuylkill River. first-come, first-served basis; reservations cannot www.nps.gov/vafo It is the goal of the National Park Service to make forts and lines of earthworks, the Artillery Park, Some are included in the park tour; others that be made. There is no camping in the park. The 610-783-1077 the park accessible to all visitors. Washington’s Headquarters, and the Grand Pa rade, are used for park business are closed to the Instead of driving yourself, you may wish to take park has almost 30 miles of trails. The use of In an emergency dial 911. where General von Steuben trained the army. public. advantage of the seasonal trolley tours of fered skates, skateboards, and in-line skates is pro- ✩GPO:20xx—xxx-xxx/xxxxx Reprint 20xx Printed on recycled paper. PS PHS N A ALL PHOTOGR Visitor Center Muhlenberg Brigade National Memorial Arch Wayne Statue Headquarters Redoubt 4 (walk-in access Redoubt 3 Artillery Park Varnum’s Quarters Washington Memorial only–rough ground) Chapel Start your tour here, at provide in forma tion on Replicated huts mark the This dominant feature of This bronze equestrian The focal point of camp Redoubts 4 and 3 anchored defense. Since the British Most of the cannon of an attack, the cannon Gen. James Varnum occu- Located on private prop- the junction of Pa. 23 and sea son al programs, spe- site where Gen. Peter the park was dedicated statue stands in an area activities was the Isaac the right and left flanks never laid siege to the brought to Valley Forge could be dispatched from pied this early 18th-cen- erty within the park, the North Gulph Road, where cial events, and oth er Muhl enberg’s Brigade an- in 1917 and commem- where Pennsylvania Potts House, Washington’s of the inner, or second, camp, the system of forti- were massed in the Artil- this central location to tury farmhouse overlook- chapel hosts an ac tive an audio-visual program park activities. An auto chored the outer line of orates the “patience and troops commanded by Headquarters. Start your line of defense. A trench fications at Valley Forge lery Park. Here, under the wher ever they were ing the Grand Parade. congregation. The beau- and exhibits in troduce tape tour is available for defense. fidelity” of the soldiers Gen. An thony Wayne visit at the Valley Forge connected the redoubts was never tested. Vestiges command of Brig. Gen. needed. Nearby stands a statue of tifully appointed in terior you to the story of the purchase. Rest rooms are who wintered at Valley made their encampment. Station. to form a formidable de- of the trench constructed Henry Knox, artil lery was General von Steuben, of this early 20th-century 1777–78 en camp ment. wheelchair-accessible. Forge in 1777–78. The statue fac es toward fense line against any by the army are still visible stored and repaired, and who supervised the train- church commemorates Park staff will gladly help the general’s home in British attack that might along the left side of the gun crews were trained ing of the Continental George Washington’s you plan your visit and nearby Ches ter County. overrun the outer line of Inner Line Drive. and drilled. In the event Army. serv ice to his country..

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