| Valley Forge National Historical Park |
 The picturesque, rolling hillsides of 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park are a peaceful reminder of freedom won by men’s sacrifices long ago. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the winter encampment of 1777-78.
No battles were fought, no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Nonetheless, some 2,000 soldiers died – more Americans than were killed at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown combined. Valley Forge is the story of an army’s epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger and disease.
Here, too, is a reminder of our nation’s diversity. Washington’s troops were the most racially integrated of any army our country fielded, up until Vietnam. An estimated 5,000 soldiers of African descent served in the Continental Army. Native Americans also played a role; members of the Oneida Indian Nation in particular had a crucial impact during the Valley Forge encampment.
Today, Washington’s original stone headquarters has been restored and furnished; log huts have been reconstructed; and statues and monuments throughout the park remind visitors of our national heritage. Among them are statues of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne and Baron Friedrich von Steuben; and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent.
The Welcome Center features exhibits, artifacts, a gift shop, light refreshments and an 18-minute film. From here, take a self-guided or scheduled tour on a scenic drive through the park, or explore the ten miles of horse trails, and six miles of multi-use trails that wend throughout the park’s rolling hillsides.
Easily accessible from the Valley Forge exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the park is located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road, Valley Forge, PA. It is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and the Visitor Center and other park buildings are open 9 am-5pm daily. For more information, please call 610.783.1077 or visit www.nps.gov/vafo.
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