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Valley Forge National Historical ParkTheme(s): Revolutionary War | |
Description:
Few places evoke the spirit of patriotism and independence, represent individual and collective sacrifice, or demonstrate the resolve, tenacity and determination of the people of the United States to be free, as does Valley Forge. Here, despite setbacks and hardships, the Continental Army under General George Washington's leadership built upon its growing military competence. Through intensive training, the army honed its skills and became a professional force that marched on to victory over the British and secured America's independence in 1783.
In the late nineteenth century, the narrative of Valley Forge inspired private citizens to begin the effort to preserve the site of General Washington's soldiers' camp as a memorial. Formal recognition for the troops who wintered at Valley Forge came when the Pennsylvania legislature designated the area as a state park in 1893. Valley Forge officially became part of the national park system in 1977.
Today, the mission of the National Park Service at Valley Forge is to preserve, protect and maintain the natural and cultural resources that are associated with and commemorate the encampment of the Continental Army in 1777/1778 and educate the American people about one of the most defining events in the nation's history.
Designations:
National Historical Park (July 4, 1976)
Accessibility:
Visitor Center and the auditorium have universal access. Washington's Headquarters and the Muhlenberg Brigade huts are also accessible. Accessibility folder and wheelchair are available at the Visitor Center. Captioned 18-minute film is shown on request. Assistance for the hearing impaired is available in our auditorium. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible throughout the park. Multi-Use Trail is paved & universally accessible.
Getting Around:
Valley Forge bus tours offer daily tours of the park from May through October. Call (610)-783-1077 for schedule. Ten-mile self-guiding auto tour.
Cassette tape for sale and free map of tour route available in the Visitor Center.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Boating | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to Valley Forge National Historical Park
Plane:
Philadelphia International Airport is located 25 miles away from the park. From the airport, take 95 south, 476 north, then 76 west.
Car:
How to Reach the Park
From New York, and points northeast, and also from Harrisburg and points west via the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76 west, 276 east):
Get off at Exit 24 - "Valley Forge"
Use right side of tollbooth.
Take Valley Forge exit just beyond tollbooth. Sign says “Exit 25 Valley Forge”.
Go north on North Gulph Road for approximately 1.5 miles.
At fifth traffic light, turn left into the park at park entrance sign.
From Philadelphia, New Jersey and points southeast, via the Schuylkill Expressway (Interstate 76 west):
Get off at Exit 25, the last exit before tollbooth. Sign says, "Exit 25, Mall Blvd".
Make right at first traffic light.
At next light make right onto North Gulph Road.
Go about 1.5 miles.
At sixth traffic light, turn left into the park at park entrance sign.
From Baltimore, Wilmington, DE, and points southeast, via U.S. 202 north:
Get off at the “422 west exit.”
Go about 2 miles.
Take the “Valley Forge, Route 23 west exit,” located just past the overpass.
Turn right at the top of the exit ramp and merge into the center lane.
Park entrance is straight ahead.
From Pottstown and Reading PA, and points northwest, via 422 east:
Get off at “Valley Forge” exit.
Make right at the top of the exit ramp and merge into the center lane.
Park entrance is straight ahead at the traffic light.
Public Transportation
SEPTA Bus Route 125 stops at the Valley Forge Visitor Center, the near-by Sheraton Hotel, and King Of Prussia Mall.
Nearby Parks:
Independence National Historical Park (20 miles)
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (18 miles)
Gettysburg National Military Park (130 miles)
Steamtown National Historic Site (100 miles)
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