Valley Forge Encampment Tour
Take a tour of the encampment for highlights of the Pennsylvanian National Historical Park
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The Encampment Tour route
This 10-mile driving loop explores Valley Forge National Historical Park's history, significance, and scenic viewpoints. Starting at the visitor center, expect eight stops along the way. For this tour you don't need your car, just your cursor to look around. Let's go!
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Muhlenberg's Brigade
Site of the encampment of Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg's Virginia troops, during the winter of 1777-78. Today the area consists of nine reconstructed soldiers' log huts facing a gravel company street. Nearby is a reconstructed earthen redoubt, one of five fortifications anchoring the defense of Valley Forge.
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United States National Memorial Arch
The arch was erected in the early 20th century on the road where soldiers marched into Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. It commemorates the arrival and the sacrifices of General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge during that winter of the American Revolutionary War.
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Brigadier General Anthony Wayne (1745 - 1796)
During 1774, Wayne was the chairman of the Chester County Committee and the deputy of the Provincial Convention. In 1787 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution. The north side of the pedestal lists the many roles that Wayne filled during his lifetime.
Washington's Headquarters by National Park ServiceValley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
Washington's Headquarters
The Isaac Potts house is known today as Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge. Washington's military family at Valley Forge included aides-de-camp, like John Laurens and Alexander Hamilton, as well as both salaried and enslaved servants like Elizabeth Thompson and Hannah Till. Everyone lived and worked together in this house.
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Redoubt 3 (partially reconstructed)
Continental troops excavated this deep front ditch, heaping dirt into gabions (woven baskets). Fascines (branch bundles) were piled around the gabion walls and covered with sod to absorb cannon fire—a rare resource in the muddy, treeless camp.
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Artillery Park
Most of the Continental Army’s cannons were stored at Artillery Park, a strategic central location between the first and second lines of defense. From here, the cannons could be rushed to the dirt mound defenses located throughout the camp to help stop an attack by the British.
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General Baron von Steuben statue
The bronze statue of Inspector General Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Baron von Steuben (1730-1794), more commonly known as Baron von Steuben, overlooks the Grand Parade at Valley Forge. A Prussian-born army officer, he played a leading role in the American Revolutionary war by reforming the Continental Army into a disciplined and professional fighting force.
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The Washington Memorial Chapel
The impressive Gothic Revival style building was constructed between 1903 and 1917. The tower is home to a replica of the Liberty Bell, known as the Justice Bell, which was used in the early part of the 20th century to support the Women's Suffrage movement.
Soldiers Marching InValley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
The end of the tour, but not the journey
We've come to the end of our tour but there is much more to discover at Valley Forge National Historical Park and Making of the Nation.
You are all set!
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