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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.
For information about the tours call 610.783.7503
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
610.783.1077. Rt. 23 and N. Gulph Rd. Valley Forge. Open daily, 9 am-5pm.
Free ($3 adm. to historic buildings; pay at Visitors Center.) Park
facilities include Visitors Center, picnic areas, a 16-mile multi-use trail,
ten miles of horse trails. A Valley Forge to Philadelphia bike path begins
near Betzwood Bridge. www.nps.gov/vafo |
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Washington Memorial Chapel and Carillon Tower
Commemorates the life of George Washington and the history of the nation
with rich decorative elements, including a bronze statue of Washington,
ornate carvings of soldiers, flags and soaring stained glass windows. Rt 23,
Valley Forge Park. 610.783.0120. Daily 9:30am-5pm. Memorial Bell Tower
features Justice Bell; replica of Liberty Bell, cast to support women's
suffrage; and Washington National Carillon. Recitals follow 11:15 am Sunday
service. June-Aug, summer concert series. Free.
www.washingtonmemorialchapel.org |
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