Of all the places associated with the Revolutionary War, none conveys more the impression of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph than Valley Forge. No battles were fought here, no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place, but during the winter of 1777-78 approximately 2,000 soldiers died at hospitals in the surrounding area nonetheless. Valley Forge is the story of an army's epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, against hunger, disease, and the unrelenting forces of nature. Ending the campaign of 1777, the British Gen. Howe occupied Philadelphia which was the Colonial Capitol. Washington and his 12,000 men occupied the defensible positions 18 miles to the west, close enough to cut Howe off from any westward expansion, but far enough away to avoid a surprise attack. This area with Mt Joy and Mt Misery, were easily defensible as the below pictures of the country side reveal. Come spring, Howe abandoned Philadelphia and marched back towards NY. When Washington's army left the next spring a decisive victory had been won -- a victory not of weapons but of will.

Jogging, bicycling, rollerblading and sightseeing are popular activities on the paved roads. Cultural activities are numerous during the year. Facilities and services exist in the park and are numerous in the surrounding area. For further information contact the Valley Forge National Historical Park, P. O. Box 953, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0953 or call 610-783-1077.

All the pictures below are from Valley Forge, using various film and digital cameras. They are ordered along the one way circular road found through the park.

From the Muhlenberg Camp, a cannon, earthworks and view of the valley.
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Winter Cabins at Muhlenberg Camp. This is typical of where the men of Washingtons Army camped during the winter of 1777-1778. These cabins are typically 16'x14' (224 sq ft) and housed 12 men.
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The inside of one of the cabins.
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The National Memorial Arch.
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Statue of General Anthony Wayne.
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The land and valley looking east from the Statue of General Anthony Wayne.
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The land and valley looking west from the Statue of General Anthony Wayne.
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Washington's Headquarters.
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von Stuebens statue and the Grand Parade area. From here, he would observe the troops drill and this is where Washingtons Army transformed itself into a crack fighting unit.
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Return to the the Philadelphia Home page.

Further information can be found at this Valley Forge National Historic Park site.