Valley Forge National Historical Park is one of the most popular Revolutionary War sites in the country – and for good reason. Not only was this 3,500-acre park the site of one of the war’s most important moments, but it’s also an excellent place to learn more about the history of the revolution. When General George Washington and the Continental Army camped at Valley Forge in December 1777, the war effort was at a grim nadir.
Washington’s men had suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, allowing the British to seize control of Philadelphia and forcing the Continental Congress to flee the city. With the colonies effectively split in half, the war seemed to be increasingly hopeless. However, when the army emerged from the encampment in June 1778, it had not only survived the harsh winter but had also been transformed into a European-style fighting force capable of going toe-to-toe with the British, setting the stage for the pivotal Saratoga campaign.
We recommend starting your Valley Forge tour at the visitor center, which features fantastic exhibits on the hardships experienced by the men, women, and children at the encampment. The museum tells the story of perseverance in the face of impossible odds, detailing how the crucible of Valley Forge transformed the Continental Army from a hodgepodge coalition of militias into a properly trained and organized military force – largely thanks to the efforts of George Washington and Prussian drillmaster Baron Friedrich von Steuben.
Other attractions at Valley Forge include a meticulously restored colonial house that served as Washington’s administrative center, soldier-built defensive earthworks, and replicas of the log cabins that the rank and file occupied at the encampment.
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.
