As you might have seen from one of my earlier posts, I recently attended HMGS’ Fall In convention in Pennsylvania. I decided to go up a little early, as I have never been to the Valley Forge park located there. Being interested in history, I can never turn down an opportunity to see history in person!
“Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight military encampments for the Continental Army’s main body, commanded by General George Washington. In September 1777, British forces had captured the American capital of Philadelphia. After failing to retake the city, Washington led his 12,000-man army into winter quarters at Valley Forge, located approximately 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Philadelphia. They remained there for six months, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. At Valley Forge, the Continentals struggled to manage a disastrous supply crisis while retraining and reorganizing their units. About 1,700 to 2,000 soldiers died due to disease, possibly exacerbated by malnutrition.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Forge
The park itself is much larger than I had imagined. Fortunately, it is cross crossed by a number of roads, that helps getting around if you do not want to walk or ride the whole area. The park lands included a visitor center, reconstructed cabins to better understand the living conditions, monuments, the various redoubts that protected the encampment, the parade ground (which is huge) and the George Washington HQ complex. Definitely worth a stop if you have a few hours to kill or have any interest in the American War for Independence.
You can find more on the park here at https://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm
- Manteuffel