Valley Forge Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome - Valley Forge Visitor Center

  Welcome to Valley Forge, the site of one of the harshest crucibles of the American Revolution. In December of 1777, General George Washington camped the Continental Army here to wait out the long winter. The following six months would test the mettle and resilience of his ragtag fighting force, and serve as a critical turning point in the war.

• Muhlenberg Brigade

  Pullover here, by these huts to your right. This is where General Peter “Devil Pete” Muhlenberg has planted his troops after the long march from Philadelphia. One of Washington’s most fiery lieutenants, Muhlenberg is a longtime soldier who had previously settled into a new life as a Lutheran reverend in Virginia.

• Maine Memorial

  This small rock memorial to your right stands in honor of the Mainers under Washington’s command. A diverse and multi-ethnic force, the Continental Army has been cobbled together from both volunteer militias and professional divisions, leading to a patchwork of men from all over the colonies.

• General Wayne Statue

  The statue to your right stands in honor of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, one of Washington’s commanders in the Continental Army. He is known for his mercurial temperament both on and off the battlefield, which has led to both highs and lows for the explosive officer. Here at Valley Forge, Wayne’s reputation is at an all-time low.

• Knox's Quarters (Henry Knox)

  Find a spot to park in the parking lot on your left. This small white house just up ahead is occupied by General Henry Knox, one of George Washington’s most trusted advisors. A bookstore owner before the Revolution, Knox has very little by way of actual military training, but he earned notoriety as one of the roughest, toughest customers in his neighborhood, frequently getting into fights with local street gangs.

• Delaware Memorial

  While the supplies from Congress have helped a little, things in the Valley Forge encampment are still extremely dire. Soldiers are starving in their tents, and it’s only getting harder for the loyal citizens of Philadelphia to smuggle out food. The camp needs some way of getting its own supplies.

• Commander in Chief's Guard Huts

  These small wooden huts up ahead are reproductions of the ones belonging to the Lifeguards, General Washington’s personal retinue. Strong, brave, and true, these men are the best of the best, and they offer the last line of defense between the General and any threats - both British or domestic.

• Washington's Headquarters

  "This small stone house just ahead is the Isaac Potts House, best known for being George Washington’s headquarters here in Valley Forge. It’s right here that he manages the various organizational crises of the winter, while also planning for the future. "

• New Jersey Brigade Memorial

  This tall, gallant looking fellow to your right is the New Jersey Brigade Memorial, raised to commemorate the service of Continental troops from New Jersey. Nicknamed the “Jersey Blues,” these soldiers are some of the most organized and dependable troops in the whole Continental Army

• Artillery Park

  Just ahead to your right is Artillery Park, where Henry Knox and his artillery have been stationed during the winter. Keeping the cannons here in the center of camp allowed ample space for drills and repairs, and enabled the artillery to be sent out to any spot in case of attack.

• Varnum's Quarters

  This stone farmhouse to your right is best known as the quarters of General James Mitchell Varnum, one of Washington’s closest advisors. Hailing from Rhode Island, General Varnum left his prestigious law practice after the battles of Lexington and Concord, forming a militia called the Kentish Guards. While in the Guards, Varnum befriended a young private named Nathaniel Greene, who has risen to become Washington’s second in command - having replaced the disloyal General Horatio Gates.

• Patriots of African Descent Monument (Enslaved Soldiers)

  This is the Patriots of African Descent Monument, which honors the slaves and free black soldiers who served in the Continental Army. Between 1775 and 1777, black men were banned from service by the Continental Congress. However, by early 1778, the situation had changed. Baron von Steuben is busy turning the Continental Army into a real fighting force, but the winter has taken a toll and their numbers have dwindled

• Philander Chase Knox Estate

  Up ahead of you, across the stone bridge, is the Philander Chase Knox estate. The eccentrically named Philander C. Knox, a longtime Republican politician, lived here until his death in 1921. Knox is best known for service as US Attorney General under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, and later as Secretary of State under Presidents Taft and Wilson, as well as his years in the Senate. Today, the estate is mostly used as a wedding venue, so young couples take note! Just make sure you get your reservations early.

• Valley Forge Train Station

  The more modern-looking building next to Washington’s headquarters is the former Valley Forge train station. Originally built in 1911 as a stop on the Reading Railroad, the station now serves as a museum with exhibits and information on George Washington and his leadership of the Continental Army. It’s also the meeting spot for ranger-led tours of the headquarters, so if you’re looking for some more in-depth information on Washington, this is a good place to start.

• Washington Memorial Chapel

  Just ahead of you and to your left is the Washington Memorial Chapel, named as a tribute to General Washington and his service. Built in 1903, the chapel is an active church that serves the Episcopalian community of Valley Forge, while also offering tours and reenactments for visitors to the park. The bell tower on top of the church houses the Justice Bell, an exact replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell.

• Washington Memorial Cemetery

  Out back behind the Washington Memorial Chapel is the cemetery, which is open to anyone, regardless of religion. The most famous grave here belongs to Philander C. Knox, whose estate is not far from here in the park. Knox is most well-known for serving in the cabinet of four different presidents, but never quite becoming president himself - although he certainly did try.

• Maurice Stevens House

  Right across from the Washington Memorial Chapel is the Maurice Stephens House, built in 1812 by Maurice Stephens, a local justice. Stephens lived here until his death in 1827. Before the house was built, this spot was formerly the site for General Jedediah Huntington’s quarters in the winter of 1777. Though Jedediah Huntington wasn’t exactly the most exciting officer on this tour, he did have the most fun old-timey name of the bunch.

• Port Kennedy Railroad Station

  "This small building at the back of the Station Lane loop is the former Port Kennedy Railroad Station. The station was opened as part of the Reading Railroad’s expansion into Port Kennedy in the 1870s, but was shuttered in the 1980s. Since then, it has become gradually more and more dilapidated. Adventurous listeners may want to try poking around inside the abandoned station, but wiser ones may prefer to take pictures from outside and avoid a tetanus shot. "