Valley Forge
Purely America

Valley Forge

The images are heartrending, dramatic and so powerful that they are embedded in the nation's historical consciousness: Bloody footprints in the snow left by bootless men. Near naked soldiers wrapped in thin blankets huddled around a smoky fire of green wood. The plaintive chant from the starving: "We want meat! We want meat!"

These are the indelible images of suffering and endurance associated with Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78. "An army of skeletons appeared before our eyes naked, starved, sick and discouraged," wrote New York's Governor Morris of the Continental Congress.

The Marquis de Lafayette wrote: "The unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything; they had neither coats nor hats, nor shirts, nor shoes. Their feet and their legs froze until they were black, and it was often necessary to amputate them."
A bitter George Washington — whose first concern was always his soldiers — would accuse the Congress of "little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers. I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul pity those miseries, which it is neither in my power to relieve or prevent."

The suffering and sacrifices of the American soldiers at Valley Forge are familiar, iconic images, but there is another side of the picture. Valley Forge was where a new, confident, professional American army was born.

Three months of shortage and hardship were followed by three months of relative abundance that led to wonderful changes in the morale and fighting capabilities of the Continental Army.  France would enter the war on the side of the new nation. Valuable foreign volunteers and fresh replacements would trickle into camp.

Most important, it was at Valley Forge that a vigorous, systematic training regime transformed ragged amateur troops into a confident 18th century military organization capable of beating the Red Coats in the open field of battle.

Top Visitor Attractions

King of Prussia Mall

Adjacent to Valley Forge and boasting seven world class department stores and more than 400 stores, boutiques, and restaurants, King of Prussia has more pure retail shopping space than any other attraction in America and it features stores that cannot be found elsewhere in the region.
Washington Memorial Chapel
Built as a wayside chapel for prayer and reflection for those who visit Valley Forge, the Chapel is a vibrant home for a faithful congregation of the Episcopal Church, part of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Each year its Gothic Revival architecture, stained glass windows and interior furnishings, coupled with its congregation’s religious and patriotic mission, continue to attract and inspire many thousands of visitors.
Washington Memorial Chapel stands as a testament to liberty, political and religious, and as a living memorial honouring George Washington and the sacrifice of patriots encamped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778. Remembered also are all those past and present who have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy. Located within Valley Forge National Historical Park, our buildings and grounds are open year round.
The Chapel is also home to the Washington Memorial National Carillon and the Justice Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell used in the women’s suffrage movement. 
Tour the Chapel or attend one of the special events or worship at the weekly services:
Sunday 8:00 am & 10:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Wednesday 10:00 am – Rector's Forum 
Saturday 5:00 pm – Holy Eucharist

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 Centre features exhibits, artefacts, 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.
Green Lane Park
Green Lane Park offers fishing, boating, picnicking, horseback riding trails, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, family camping, equestrian camping, tennis, playgrounds, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing. 
Boating - The Park consists of over 3400 acres and three bodies of water totalling 870 acres. The Reservoir section at Hill Road has electric rental boats. Rental row boats and private boat racks are available at the Walt Road Launch and Deep Creek Lake.
Trails- There are several miles of nature trails that attract hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons.
 
Fort Washington State Park
Rich in modern recreational facilities and historical significance, Fort Washington blossoms with flowering dogwood in the spring. The park takes its name from the temporary fort built by George Washington’s troops in the fall of 1777, before heading to Valley Forge. The park is popular with hikers and picnickers. Birders enjoy the seasonal migration of raptors from the Observation Deck.

Elmwood Park Zoo

Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown welcomes over 130,000 visitors annually for an educational adventure in a fun, clean, and family-oriented environment. The zoo houses a collection of over 300 animals representing 100 species.
Central Perkioman Valley Park
Central Perkiomen Valley Park on Plank Road is situated along the scenic Perkiomen Creek in the centre of Montgomery County. This 800-acre park extends over 10 municipalities, offering a wide variety of family activities. Visitors can enjoy a children’s playground as well as vistas of the Perkiomen Creek while fishing. Picnic tables and grills are available throughout the park’s picnic grove. There is one large pavilion available by reservation for large groups. Nearby are recreational offerings of volleyball, shuffleboard and restroom facilities. Visitors can walk, jog, bike or horseback ride on over 19 miles of the Perkiomen Trail winding along the Perkiomen Creek. Central Perkiomen Valley Park is an alcohol free park. Park Hours are from 8:00 a.m. until Dusk.
 
Lower Perkiomen Valley Park
This sylvan setting of 107 acres in the southernmost section of Upper Providence Township attracts the recreational sports minded and the nature lover alike. With lovely views along the Perkiomen Creek, the Park serves as a trail head for those seeking access to the Perkiomen Trail, the Schuylkill River Trail or the Audubon Loop. Bicyclists, joggers, roller bladers, x-country skiers or just those wanting a stroll in the great outdoors are often found in the Park, taking advantage of the trails. This active Park is conveniently located along Rt. 422 and is contiguous via the trail system to Mill Grove and Valley Forge National Historic Park. Picnic pavilions, with electric and modern amenities may be reserved for family fun and group outings. Outdoor picnic tables and grills may be enjoyed year round on a first come, first served basis. For smaller children, an attractive playground can occupy their visit for hours of fun and frolic. A basketball court, volleyball nets, tetherball areas and horseshoe pits can provide hours of fun and exercise for visitors. Creek-side fishing in the Perkiomen Creek is a quiet pastime for the avid outdoorsmen.
Special events occur throughout the year. The Park is open from 8:00 am until sunset every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Philadelphia Premium Outlets

Brand loyalists and cost-conscious shoppers cheered the opening of Philadelphia’s newest addition to its already stellar roster of retail offerings. Located just 35 highway miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia and minutes from Valley Forge, the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick feature more than 150 designer and brand-name outlet stores in an astounding 425,000-square-foot space. Upscale merchants such as Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew and Sony are among the outlet stores tempting shoppers.
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