Valley Forge

Valley Forge Valley Forge National Historical Park Pennsylvania National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 1777–78 Winter Encampment On December 19, 1777, more than 12,000 soldiers and hundreds of civilians marched into Valley Forge. They began to build what would become the fourth largest city in America, with 1,500 log huts and two miles of fortifications. Lasting six months, the encampment was as diverse as any city. Residents were free and enslaved, wealthy and impoverished, speakers of several languages, and followers of several religions. ENCAMPMENT ILLUSTRATION—NPS / KEITH ROCCO; BUTTON—NPS “We were determined to persevere.” Private Joseph Plumb Martin, shown above with his journal, wrote these words exemplifying the resolve of the Continental Army. In this third winter of the eight-year American Revolutionary War, soldiers continued to face hunger, sickness, and hardship. Their tenacity and triumph in the face of this adversity form the inspiring story of Valley Forge. In late 1777 the British occupied the patriot capital of Philadelphia. The Continental Congress fled to York, Pennsylvania, leaving General George Washington—leader of the new country’s army—to keep alive the hope of independence. Washington decided to have his troops winter at Valley Forge, a day’s march from Philadelphia. They could train and recoup from the year’s battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. Even before Congress fled the capital, the leaders had difficulty supporting the war effort. They were unable to fully supply the army, which had been plagued by inadequate food, clothing, and equipment since war broke out. Conditions reached their worst at Valley Forge. As Private Martin wrote, “We are now in a truly forlorn condition, no clothing, no provision and as disheartened as can be.” Concentrating the soldiers in one vast camp made sense strategically because they could protect the countryside and be better able to resist a British attack. But it became costly when diseases like influenza and typhoid spread through the camp. Disease killed nearly 2,000 people during the encampment. As tenacious as the soldiers, Washington inspired them through his own resilience and sense of duty. He persuaded Congress to reform the supply system and end crippling shortages. He attracted experienced officers to the cause, including former Prussian officer Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who was given the job of training the troops. Von Steuben taught the soldiers new military skills and to fight as a more unified army. These reforms in supply systems and fighting tactics, along with reforms in military hygiene and army organization, became the foundation of the modern United States Army. Recovery and Honor In May, word came to General Washington that the long-sought alliance with France was secured. The British soon evacuated Philadelphia and headed north to defend their stronghold in New York City. On June 19, 1778, Washington’s troops marched out in pursuit. The Continental Army departed camp as a unified army capable of defeating the British and winning American independence. The war would last five more years, but Valley Forge was a key turning point. Private Martin explained why: “We had engaged in the defense of our injured country and were willing, nay, we were determined to persevere.” The brigade encampment McIntosh is west of Washington’s headquarters. Inner line defenses include the brigade encampments of Huntington (near Redoubt 4), Conway, Maxwell, and Woodford. Outer line defenses to the south include the brigade encampments of Scott, first P A, second P A, and Poor. Outer line defenses to the east include the brigade encampments of Glover, Learned, Patterson, Weedon, and Muhlenber, which is near Redoubt 2 and 5. The brigade encampment of Varnum is near Redoubt 1. Why Valley Forge? It was near the patriot capital of Philadelphia, which was occupied by the British that winter, but far enough away to be safe from surprise attack. The terrain formed a triangle of defense, which the army strengthened by constructing defensive lines. In the end, the British did not attack. Out of Many, One (E Pluribus Unum) The new country did not have a standing army when the revolution began, so General Washington had to organize one while fighting the war itself. Part of his challenge was to shift soldiers’ allegiance from their home states to the United States. Another challenge was to train the entire army to use the same fighting tactics, which allowed the officers to organize a more unified fighting force. The intertwined letters of the uniform button symbolize these transformations, as does the motto “Out of Many, One.” In 1776 American leaders started thinking about using its Latin translation, E pluribus unum, as the new country’s motto. It still appears on the Great Seal of the United States and remains a motto worthy of soldiers’ perseverance at Valley Forge. After the winter encampment, General Jedediah Huntington called the valley “a starved country.” The encampment left behind a ruined land. Soldiers had cleared forests from many miles around for wood to construct their huts and to build fires for warmth and cooking. They also had requisitioned farm animals and supplies from local farmers, leaving some families with little food for themselves or to sell. Winter’s constant rains and the activity of thousands of people turned the fields into deep mud. The fields were so spoiled that no crops could be planted that summer. Soon after the army left, farmers quickly took apart the huts and reclaimed the wood. They also plowed down most of the defensive earthworks that soldiers had so laboriously built. By the next summer, farmers were growing crops again where the encampment had once stood. General Washington returned to the site in 1787. A farmer himself, he noted with pleasure that agriculture had recovered from the occupation. A century later, citizens began the ongoing work of preserving the land where the encampment had stood. This commemorative landscape embodies the peace that the Continental Army earned for us, and honors their sacrifice and triumph at Valley Forge. Grateful Americans will come to this shrine of quiet valor, this forge of our Republic’s iron core. President Gerald R. Ford at Valley Forge, July 4, 1976 Muhlenberg’s Brigade Visitor Center National Memorial Arch Washington’s Headquarters and office Wayne Statue Artillery Park Redoubt 3 Varnum’s Quarters Washington Memorial Chapel REDOUBT 3—VALLEY FORGE PARK ALLIANCE / © MJ TICCINO; ALL OTHER PHOTOS ABOVE—NPS / BETH DHUNJISHA Explore Valley Forge on the Self-Guiding Encampment Tour 1 Begin at the Valley Forge 2 Reconstructed army huts Visitor Center. Its exhibits and film introduce the park story. Visit the store, which has books, souvenirs, and snacks. Open daily except Thanks­giving, December 25, and January 1. on the site of General Muhlenberg’s brigade give glimpses into soldiers’ lives. A nearby redoubt (a type of defensive earthwork) highlights the importance of camp security. 3 Dedicated in 1917, the National Memorial Arch honors soldiers’ perseverance and expresses hope for future generations. Take time to read the inscriptions and contemplate the classical symbols. 4 This statue stands near the site of a camp of Pennsylvania soldiers led by General Anthony Wayne. The general seems to look toward his home, Waynesboro, five miles away. 5 Stop at the 1911 Valley Forge Station for exhibits about the headquarters and Washington’s leadership. Then visit the original stone house (above) that served as residence and office for Washington and his staff. 6 The drive to Redoubt 3 7 General Henry Knox kept Stroll around the grounds, passes trenches built for most of the cannon here which have displays about defense on the left of Inner so they could be moved the old ironworks and Line Drive. The redoubt quickly to any threatened Washington’s guard, and an anchored the south end of area of the encampment. impressive statue of the the inner, or second, line of Artillery repair shops were general himself. defense. located here too. shared this house with its owners during part of the encampment. His brigade included many African American soldiers, both free and enslaved. 9 This chapel, still an active Episcopal parish, honors soldiers of the American Revolution. The Chapel Cabin Shop behind the church sells souvenirs and serves lunch. Along Schuylkill River is the Betzwood Picnic Area, which has a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat launch. Pawling Farm, along the Schuylkill River, was one of the Continental Army commissaries and the major campsite of the army after the troops shifted to outlying the locations on June 9, 1778. North of that, following Valley Creek Road, are the Upper Forge Site, Lower Forge Site, the David Potts House, Potts Barn and Stables, and encampment tour stop 5, Washington’s headquarters. Nearby are Historic Valley Forge Station (where you begin your visit to Washington’s Headquarters), wheelchair access but no parking, restrooms, and the Commander in Chief’s Guard Huts. 8 General James Varnum Northeast of that is encampment tour stop 9, Washington’s Memorial Chapel, which has wheelchair access. Nearby is the Chapel Cabin Shop, which has food service, and the Maurice Stephens House, which is not open to the public. North of that, following East Inner Line DriveThe Patriots of African Descent Monuto North Inner Line Drive to Conway’s Brigade ment is also nearby. and Redoubt 4, is encampment tour stop 8, Varnum’s Quarters (open seasonally). Nearby are the Von Steuben Statue, Varnum’s picnic area (open seasonally and with a picnic area and restrooms), and Redoubt 1. Encampment tour stop 1 is the Visitor Center on the east side of the park, near route 23. It has restrooms, wheelchair access, and food service. Nearby are a theater and park administration. Southwest of that is encampment tour stop 2, Muhlenberg’s Brigade, along the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail and North Outer Line Drive. Redoubts 2 and 5 are nearby. North of that, along East Inner Line Drive, is encampment tour stop 7, Artillery Park, which has restrooms. Further southwest is encampment tour stop 3, National Memorial Arch. Nearby are Wayne’s Woods, which has a picnic area and restrooms, and Pennsylvania Columns, along South Outer Line Drive. Southeast of that, following West Inner Line Drive, passing East of that, where Gulph Road and Thomas Road the Soldiers of New Jersey Monument to South Inner Line intersect, is where Washington’s troops arrived on Drive, is encampment tour stop 6, Redoubt 3. December 19, 1777, over Gulph Road from Gulph Mills, southeast of Valley Forge. Southwest of that is encampment tour stop 4, Wayne Statue. To the southwest are Knox’s Quarters (not open to the public), P.C. Knox Estate (event venue), restrooms on Wilson Road, Lafayette’s Quarters (not open to the public), Lord Stirling’s Quarters (not open to the public), and the Covered Bridge from 1865, which has a height limit of 10.5 feet and weight limit of 27 tons. Preserving Valley Forge for the Future created to honor the soldiers’ perseverance. NPS / BETH DHUNJISHA Citizens joined together in the 1870s to preserve the inspirational story of Valley Forge—a story that continues to inspire us today. The park landscape, with its vistas and monuments, was The tradition of citizen involvement continues. Volunteers and partners help with the ongoing work of preservation and interpretation. Thousands of people invest their time in the park. (The family at left is removing invasive plants.) They share the vision of Valley Forge National Historical Park as a place of commemoration, inspiration, refuge, and pleasure. Natural Treasures Across the River This urban park protects remarkable natural features. A park ranger and volunteers (right) show the crayfish they have found in Valley Creek. This spring-fed stream also supports a healthy trout population despite its urban location. Upstream neighbors and towns and passionate citizens work hard to keep it healthy. The park’s tall-grass meadows are the most extensive in the region. Forests and wetlands support a wide range of plants and animals. The quiet north side of the park, across the Schuylkill River (right), was not so quiet during the encampment. The army used the area to store supplies, pasture animals, and operate a farmers’ market that added fresh food to soldiers’ rations. Major General John Sullivan supervised construction of a bridge across the river to join this area with the main camp. NPS / VAFO The south side became increasingly foul during the encampment. General Washington ordered the army to move across the river to “good air and good water.” Here they completed preparations for a new campaign. After the encampment, farmers returned and prospered, especially once a canal and railroad were built in the 1800s. But over the years, upstream mines polluted the river. By the 1940s, it had turned black. Cleanup included building immense stone embankments to help filter the water. They remain, now protecting VALLEY FORGE PARK ALLIANCE / © MJ TICCINO ponds that help make the park’s north side a natural treasure. Today you can walk Plan Your Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park has miles of paved trails linking encampment sites, monuments, and other features. Enjoy exploring the park on your own or with a park ranger or other guide. quiet trails, watch wildlife, and enjoy access to the river. More Information Trails Valley Forge has 35 miles of trails, including the paved Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. Exhibits and historic plaques explain aspects of park history. Pick up trail maps and guides at the visitor center and trailheads, or view them on the park website. Auto Tour Follow the 10-mile Encampment Tour (described above and shown on the map). The Encampment Store in the visitor center sells an audio version of the tour. Cell Phone Tour Hear the stories of Valley Forge and learn about its natural history too. Pick up a guide at the visitor center or online, then call 484-396-1018 to reach the tour menu. Ranger Tours At the visitor center, ask about the ranger-led tours, offered seasonally. On the rangerled walk to the Muhlenberg Brigade camp, you will hear about camp life and the war, and tour the craft like drones, and alcohol are prohibited. • Park in designated areas. • Pets must be leashed and at­tended; dispose of their waste in trash cans. • For firearms and other regulations check the park Trolley Tour Available seasonally, an open-air trolley website. • Plants, animals, and natural or cultural tour gives you a comfortable way to learn about the features are protected by federal law. park. Tours leave from the visitor center and make Picnicking The picnic areas at Varnum’s, Wayne’s extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters. 90 minutes; fee. Tickets Woods, and Betzwood are first-come, first-served. Groups of 30 or more require permits. Propane and at The Encampment Store in the visitor center, call charcoal grills are allowed only in these designated 610-624-5010, or go to encampmentstore.org. areas. Open fires are prohibited. Betzwood has a few charcoal grills. Go to the park website for Remember, your safety is your responsibility. other details and regulations. Park Rules Camping is not allowed. • Skates, skateboards, and inline skates are prohibited. • Bicycles Accessibility We strive to make facilities, services, must stay on marked trails and park roads. • Do not and programs accessible to all. For information go to the visitor center, ask a ranger, call, or check the travel crosscountry between trails and across fields. • Do not en­gage in recreational activity near historic park website. buildings. • Metal detectors, remotely piloted airhuts and defensive earthworks known as redoubts. Rangers are often present at the Washington Headquarters area. Valley Forge National Historical Park 1400 North Outer Line Dr. King of Prussia, PA 19406 610-783-1000 Para Español 484-396-1015 www.nps.gov/vafo Use the official NPS App to guide your visit. Follow us on social media. Learn more about national parks at www.nps.gov. npf_black.pdf Emergencies call 911 IGPO: 2022—419-059/82899 Last updated 2022 NPS / BETH DHUNJISHA Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org 1 8/26/2