What is @Camp Valley Forge?
Camp Valley Forge is an ACA-accredited day camp tucked just off the main roads in Phoenixville, mere minutes outside of the National Historical Park. We share a campus with the Valley Forge Service Center and are surrounded by private residences and the National Christian Conference Center.
Where to stay at Valley Forge National Historical Park?
- Make a right into the Wayne's Woods Picnic Area parking lot. There are no overnight accomodations or campgrounds at Valley Forge National Historical Park, but there are many lodging options in the communities surrounding the park.
Where can I find discounts at Valley Forge Park?
Located in the Visitor Center, stop in for snacks and refreshments, coffee, candy, granola bars, and more. Valley Forge Park Alliance members receive 10% off everyday! Located behind the Washington Memorial Chapel, open daily 10am to 5pm.
What to bring to Valley Forge?
For the kids - colonial toys, books and other souvenirs especially for them. There are three designated picnic areas within Valley Forge National Historical Park. All designated picnic areas provide picnic tables, but access to trash/recycling receptacles and restrooms may vary according to the time of year.
Can you camp anywhere in Valley of Fire?
Camp only in designated campground sites. Fires are permitted only in designated grills and fireplaces. Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center.
Where can I visit the Revolutionary War camp for Valley Forge?
At Valley Forge National Historical Park, located about a 35-minute drive northwest of Center City Philadelphia, visitors travel back in time to the harrowing 1777-1778 winter encampment of George Washington's Continental Army.
Can you pitch a tent in the White Mountains?
Backcountry tent camping is free throughout the White Mountains, and no permit is needed. (You will need to purchase a parking permit to leave your car at the trail head.) Check with a ranger station for current restrictions on camping in the backcountry.
Can I camp anywhere in Death Valley?
Where is backcountry camping NOT allowed? Camping is NOT allowed on the valley floor from Ashford Mill in the south to 2 miles north of Stovepipe Wells, on the Eureka Dunes or in Greenwater Canyon. Backcountry campsites must be more than 100 yards from any water source to protect these fragile areas for wildlife use.
How many people died at Valley Forge?
2,000 peopleWhile there was never a battle at Valley Forge, disease killed nearly 2,000 people during the encampment.
Is Valley Forge open to the public?
The visitor center and museum exhibit. The Visitor Center at Valley Forge and The Encampment Store are open 7 days a week, 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.
Where should you not pitch a tent?
Near Ditches, Valleys, or Low-Lying Areas Valleys and ditches are the worst. They fill up with water the quickest. Often times we pitch our tents in these areas thinking we're going to be safe from the hot sun, wind, and side rain, but that is never the case and it only makes our situation worst.
Can I put my tent up anywhere?
The logical answer is that yes, technically, you can camp anywhere if you have permission. But campers needn't limit themselves to improved campgrounds. Dispersed campsites scattered across public lands provide an isolated place to pitch a tent.
Is it legal to camp anywhere in NH?
Camping and campfires are not permitted in New Hampshire state parks except at roadside campsites (“car campgrounds”).
Can I sleep in my car at Death Valley?
Per the NPS, the following are the requirements for car camping: Only car camp on a dirt road. Be at least 1 mile from a paved or a day-use only road, 1 mile from all mining structures and 100 yards from any water source. Only car camp in previously disturbed areas.
Is there BLM land in Death Valley?
The coverage area includes OHV routes located within Bureau of Land Management's Barstow Field Office and Death Valley areas. Note: The BLM Barstow North & Death Valley National Park Map is a travel and recreation guide and does not contain a complete inventory of designated OHV routes.
Can you take rocks from Death Valley?
Picking wildflowers, taking home stones or arrowheads as keepsakes, and defacing canyon walls with graffiti are all actions that degrade the parks for other visitors. In addition, it's against the law.
Where was the camp at Valley Forge?
Washington and his weary troops occupied Valley Forge, located in eastern Pennsylvania along the banks of the Schuykill River some 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, six days before Christmas in 1777.
How long is Valley Forge encampment tour?
20 minutes to 2 hoursValley Forge Park has nine major tour stops that follow the 10-mile route called The Encampment Tour. This driving tour can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on how often you stop. The tour takes you past some of the most scenic views of the park and to many historic monuments and sites.
Where was Valley Forge Army Hospital located?
Phoenixville, Pa.Located in Phoenixville, Pa., about 20 miles from Philadelphia, it became the largest military hospital in the United States with over 3,000 patients and more than 100 buildings on 182 acres. Valley Forge General Hospital has a long history as care for the wounded continued during the next 30-plus years.
In what colony is the camp at Valley Forge?
PennsylvaniaValley Forge, in the American Revolution, Pennsylvania encampment grounds of the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778, a period that marked the triumph of morale and military discipline over severe hardship.
What is the Valley Forge myth?
It tells us that it was the experience of tremendous suffering from cold and starvation during the encampment that forged a spirit of extraordinary patriotism among Washington’s men.
What was the name of the army that occupied Valley Forge?
Valley Forge is the location of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Here the Continental Army , a collection of disparate colonial militias, emerged under Washington’s leadership as a cohesive and disciplined fighting force. In late 1777 while the British occupied the patriot capital ...
How many people were in Valley Forge?
On December 19th, 1777, 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children marched into Valley Forge and began to build what was essentially the fourth largest city in the United States, with 1,500 log huts and two miles of fortifications. Lasting six months, from December until June, the encampment was as diverse as any city, with people who were free and enslaved, wealthy and impoverished, speakers of several languages, and adherents of multiple religions. Concentrating the soldiers in one vast camp allowed the army to protect the countryside and be better able to resist a British attack, but it became costly when lack of supplies and hunger afflicted the inhabitants, and diseases like influenza and typhoid spread through the camp. While there was never a battle at Valley Forge, disease killed nearly 2,000 people during the encampment.
What was the second event that consolidated Washington’s control?
A second event that consolidated Washington’s control was his successful campaign to have a congressional committee visit camp. The general lobbied Congress to confer with him in person in order to resolve some of the supply and organizational difficulties that had plagued the army during the 1777 campaign. The committee emerged from the Valley Forge meeting with a better understanding of the logistical difficulties Washington faced and more sympathetic to the army’s requirements. The army reorganization was one of the most far-reaching consequences of the committee’s work. Almost from the war’s outset, Washington had argued for a large professional army. The public’s disdain for standing armies limited his ability to raise a sizeable force. The reorganization of 1778 represented a compromise between civilian and military ideals. Realizing that the army existed at only a portion of its authorized strength, Congress consolidated regiments and created a more streamlined force.
What is the significance of the winter campment at Valley Forge?
The significance of the encampment lies both in its fact-based history and also its storied myth. The mythical narrative is important in its own right for it reveals something about our character in the heroic way we wish the Revolution to be remembered. The popularity of the myth also speaks to its usefulness. Valley Forge remains a touchstone - always ready to minister to a generation in crisis.
Why is Valley Forge important?
The symbolic importance that Americans have attached to Valley Forge since the 19th century both complicates and enriches its authentic history. The establishment of Valley Forge as a memorial provides a place where generations of Americans have had the opportunity to discover and admire the Continental Army’s sacrifices and achievements and to participate in commemoration of this history. The desire to commemorate began to shape the history of this place soon after the army marched out.
What were the two events that occurred during the Battle of Valley Forge?
The first was the emergence of a group of critics who denigrated General Washington’s leadership ability. The proponents of this movement, which became known as the Conway Cabal, suggested that General Gates, the victorious leader at the Battle of Saratoga, was perhaps more fit for the top command position. This splinter group of officers and congressmen blamed Washington for having lost the capital to the British and argued that he put the war effort in jeopardy. As winter wore on, the so-called cabal dissolved, bringing disgrace to and ending the careers of several of its leaders. Washington’s authority was strengthened, as loyal supporters rallied to defend and exalt the commander in chief.
What was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army?
Determined to Persevere. Valley Forge is the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army.
When do trolley tours leave the visitor center?
90-minute trolley tours leave from the visitor center on Saturdays and Sundays. Reserve your tickets today.
Why is Valley Forge called the birthplace of the American army?
Despite the harsh conditions, Valley Forge is sometimes called the birthplace of the American army because, by June of 1778, the weary troops emerged with a rejuvenated spirit and confidence as a well-trained fighting force. Much of the credit goes to former Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben.
What is the hardship at Valley Forge?
Popular images of life at Valley Forge depict tremendous suffering from cold and starvation. While it was cold, the National Park Service says there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary about the conditions at Valley Forge, characterizing the hardship as “suffering as usual" since the Continental soldier experienced a perpetual state of hardship.
What did von Steuben do?
In his role, von Steuben set standards for camp layout, sanitation and conduct. For instance, he demanded that latrines be placed, facing downhill, on the opposite side of camp as the kitchens. More importantly, he became the Continental Army’s chief drillmaster.
What was the significance of the winter camp at Valley Forge?
While conditions were notoriously cold and harsh and provisions were in short supply, it was at the winter camp where George Washington proved his mettle and, with the help of former Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben, transformed a battered Continental Army into a unified, world-class fighting force capable of beating the British.
How many people died at Valley Forge?
Cold and starvation at Valley Forge were not even the most dangerous threats: diseases proved to be the biggest killer. As the National Park Service says, “Disease was the true scourge of the camp.” By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 men—roughly one in six—died of disease. Camp records indicate that two-thirds of the deaths happened during the warmer months of March, April and May when soldiers were less confined to their cabins and food and other supplies were more abundant.
What was Von Steuben's Blue Book?
Von Steuben helped to prepare a manual called “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” also called the “Blue Book,” which remained the official training manual of the Army for decades.
What did General Washington build in the camp?
In addition to the huts, the men built miles of trenches, military roads and paths. According to the National Park Service, one officer said the camp “had the appearance of a little city” when viewed from a distance. General Washington and his closest aides lived in a two-story stone house near Valley Forge Creek.
What is the movie Valley Forge?
Park Movie. Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment is the park's orientation film that is shown daily in the park theater. The 18-minute video provides an overview of the historical events that took place at Valley Forge during the 1777-1778 winter encampment and a brief synopsis of the American Revolution. Watch Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment and ...
How to call a cell phone guide?
Follow these simple steps to begin: 1. Choose a prompt from the tour directory. 2. Dial 484-396-1018. 3.
How long is the Valley Forge Park tour?
Valley Forge Park has nine major tour stops that follow the 10-mile route called The Encampment Tour. This driving tour can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on how often you stop.
How many miles of trails are there in Valley Forge Park?
View the hours of operation for these buildings and the rest of the park. Valley Forge Park contains over 30 miles of authorized trail that are popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Picnicing, bird watching, and cross-country skiing are other popular activities.
How many picnic areas are there in Valley Forge?
There are three designated picnic areas within Valley Forge National Historical Park. All designated picnic areas provide picnic tables, but access to trash/recycling receptacles and restrooms may vary according to the time of year.
Where is the Betzwood picnic area?
Located on the north side of Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Betzwood Picnic Area is the only picnic area that provides grills. From the Betzwood area, visitors have access to the River Trail, Regional Schuylkill River Trail, and boat launch to the Schuylkill River.
What is the phone number for Valley Forge?
Contact a Visitor Service Liaison at the park, call 610-783-1031. Last updated: March 11, 2021.
What time does the cabin shop open?
Located behind the Washington Memorial Chapel, open daily 10am to 5pm. The Cabin Shop specializes in unique gifts, gift baskets, souvenirs, colonial art, fine pewter, and homemade baked goods. For the kids - colonial toys, books and other souvenirs especially for them.
Where is the picnic area in Washington?
Located off of Route 23, Varnum's Picnic Area sits between the Visitor Center and Washington's Headquarters. This picnic area is also in close proximity to the von Steuben Statue and Varnum's Quarters, tour stop 8 on The Encampment Tour, which overlooks the Grand Parade.
Is picnicking allowed in the park?
Picnicking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fires are permitted in all picnic areas. All grill accoutrements and used charcoal must be packed out of the park by the user. Additional information about picnicking in the park and other park laws and policies may be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
One Winter of A Long War
The War Prior to Valley Forge
- While some refused to accept it, the nature of the war changed in July 1776 when a large contingent of English and Hessian troops reached America’s shores and sought to crush the rebellion. By the fall, the British had pushed Washington’s unevenly trained and outnumbered force to the brink of defeat and established control over New York City and the states of New Yo…
Supplying The Army
- The Continental Army’s quick seizure and use of the land directly across the Schuylkill River offers an example of the extent of its capability. Once the bridge spanning the river was complete, the army made full use of the land north of the river as a vital supply link. The farms located on the north side provided forage for the Continental Army, the location of a camp market where farmer…
Ravages of Disease
- Perhaps the most notable suffering that occurred at Valley Forge came from a factor that has not been frequently mentioned in textbooks: disease was the true scourge of the camp. Men from far flung geographical areas were exposed to sicknesses from which they had little immunity. During the encampment, nearly 2,000 men died of disease. Dedicated surgeons, nurses, a smallpox in…
A Large and Diverse Camp
- The scale of the Valley Forge encampment was impressive. The number of soldiers present ranged from 12,000 in December to nearly 20,000 in late spring as the army massed for the campaign season. The troops who came to camp included men from all 13 original colonies and regiments from all of them except South Carolina and Georgia. The encampment brought togeth…
Legacy of The Encampment
- Despite the difficulties, there were a number of significant accomplishments and events during the encampment. Because of its far-reaching consequences, the single most noteworthy achievement was the maturation of the Continental Army into a professional force under the tutelage of Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben. Baron von Steuben assessed the army and recognized th…
Alliance with France
- European recognition augmented congressional reforms. French assistance was crucial to the success of the Revolution. Starting in 1776, vital French aid in the form of military materiel flowed to America. The efforts of American agents in France and the strong performance of the continentals at the Battles of Saratoga and Germantown convinced the French to do more than …
Leaving Valley Forge
- In mid-June Washington’s spy network informed him that the British were about to abandon Philadelphia. The commander in chief rapidly set troops in motion: a small force marched in and took possession of the city. The majority of the army swiftly advanced from staging areas on the north side of the Schuylkill River and southeast of camp toward the Delaware River and New Jer…
Birthplace of The American Army
- The success of Valley Forge also can be measured in longer-term gains. Many regard Valley Forge as the birthplace of the American army. The concepts of basic training, the professionalization of the officer corps, and the rise of the army’s distinctive branches, such as the corps of engineers, all got their start here. The military lessons that von Steuben helped instill se…
Impact of The Encampment on The Land
- The scale and intensity of the encampment devastated the landscape of the Valley Forge area. By the time the army left in June 1778, every tree for miles around had been taken down for firewood or hut construction, as well as miles of farmers’ fences and many outbuildings. The livestock and stores of the area’s residents had been commandeered and consumed. The land itself was pock…