A Valley Forge tour is a great experience for anyone interested in history, particularly the history of the American Revolution. General George Washington’s six-month encampment at Valley Forge was one of the key turning points of the war and saw the embattled commander work miracles with weak supply lines, fight political rebellion from within the Continental Congress, and even transform his ragtag fighting force into a European-style army capable of facing the British head-on.
Under less capable leadership, the revolution might have flickered out and died at Valley Forge – and indeed, it almost did. But the hard work and quick thinking of heroes like Washington, ad-hoc quartermaster Nathaniel Greene, and Prussian drillmaster Baron von Steuben allowed the American cause to emerge in June 1778 more capable than ever, setting the stage for the pivotal Battle of Saratoga only a few months later.
Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves the history of this key moment for current and future generations of Americans. Some of the most popular attractions of the park have been restored to their original appearance, like the earthworks built by Continental Army soldiers to defend the camp or the colonial-era house used as Washington’s headquarters.
Others, like the log cabins showcasing the living quarters of the soldiers, have been faithfully recreated to give visitors a sense of what the encampment looked like in the winter of 1777–78. There are also a handful of modern additions to Valley Forge, like the National Memorial Arch dedicated to the perseverance of the Continental Army. Finally, the park also features about 26 miles of hiking and biking trails so you can enjoy the scenery when you’re done learning about the past.
To make the most of your next trip, check out our Valley Forge Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
