Pennsylvania Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Located in Montgomery County

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the centerpiece of our area's many attractions: more than two dozen historic sites; fabulous shopping; more gardens than anywhere in North America; and exquisite museums. Just half an hour from Philadelphia and three hours from New York or Baltimore, it's a great base of operations for day trips, group tours, meetings and conventions.

The focal point of Valley Forge attractions is the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park.

It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the difficult winter encampment of 1777-78. Of all places associated with America's War for Independence, none conveys the suffering, sacrifice and ultimate triumph more than Valley Forge. 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, disease and the unrelenting forces of nature.

Today, the park is a lush, 3,600-acre expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees. 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.

Stop at the Visitors Center at the junction of Rt 23 and N. Gulph Rd. Open daily, it features exhibits, artifacts, a gift shop and an18 -minute film.

Recurring Events include:

a. "A Glimpse into Time" exhibit in the Visitors Center. See the weapons and equipment once
used by the officers, soldiers and camp followers during the American Revolution. Daily,
9:00am to 5:00pm.

b. Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment. This film takes a step back in time to show that the
victory won at Valley Forge was not that of weapons, but of will. Showing every half hour,
9:30am to 4:30pm, daily.

c. Soldier Life at Muhlenberg Brigade offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like for the
soldiers at Valley Forge and how they lived during the six months of their winter
encampment. Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am to 4:30pm. Weather permitting.

d. Musket Firing Demonstration at Muhlenberg Brigade teaches visitors how Washington's
soldiers were taught to load and fire their musket and to use this weapon on the battlefield.
Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30pm. Weather permitting.

e. Washington: Commander-in-Chief at Washington's Headquarters is a presentation about
the role George Washington played as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
Daily, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.

Take a scenic drive through the park to many historic sites:

Washington's Headquarters, Artillery Park, Memorial Arch, soldier huts and earthen fortifications. Free maps are provided; purchase tape, or take a Valley Forge Bus Tour, (610-783-5788,mid-May - Sept; 610-272-7671 year-round), running daily on the half-hour from June to Labor Day; weekends May 15-June and Sept. - Oct. Costumed interpreters are posted at Muhlenberg Brigade, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 4:30 pm. (June - August) and at Washington's Headquarters year-round.

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.

Washington Memorial Chapel 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.

Chapel Cabin Shop Handcrafted items, souvenirs, homemade jams, jellies, candies and gifts and snacks. Nonprofit shop, proceeds benefit maintenance of Chapel. Summer: M-F, 10am-4pm; Sa, 10am-5pm; Su, 11am-4pm. Winter: M-Sa, 10 am-5 pm; Su, noon-5pm. 610.783.0576 (located behind Chapel)

The Valley Forge Historical Society The Valley Forge Historical Society and Valley Forge National Historical Park are partnering to create the nation's first National Center for the American Revolution, to open in 2005. A vast collection of personal artifacts, documents, uniforms, weapons, and displays will combine to create a multi-dimensional display of the nation's dramatic beginnings.