Valley Forge National Historical Park
The park is the location of the 1777–78 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army, where winter tested and proved the army's perseverance. Stop at the temporary Valley Forge Visitor Center for touring information; a renovated center is due to open in late 2020. The renovated center will have park and regional information, a new orientation film, and the Encampment Store, as well as displays of historical objects and engaging, immersive displays about the encampment. Take a driving tour (free cell phone guide) or buy a CD ($14.95); hire a guide for your car; or take a narrated trolley tour (limited times other than summer) for $17.50. Stops include reconstructed log huts of the Muhlenberg Brigade and the National Memorial Arch, which pay tribute to the soldiers, and Washington's headquarters.
In 1777 the army had just lost the nearby battles of Brandywine, White Horse, and Germantown. While the British occupied Philadelphia, Washington's soldiers endured horrid conditions—blizzards, inadequate food and clothing, and disease. Although no battle was fought at Valley Forge, 2,000 soldiers (of about 12,000) died here. The troops did win the war of will, regaining strength under the leadership of Prussian drillmaster Friedrich von Steuben. In June 1778 Washington led his troops away from Valley Forge in search of the British.
The park contains more than 8 miles of jogging and bicycling paths (bike rentals available in summer) and hiking trails, and you can picnic in designated areas. A leisurely visit takes about half a day.
