Upper Merion Township near Phoenixville in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Camp’s Road System
Dragoons
Dragoons (cavalry) were the camp’s messengers and lookouts. Through dragoons sometimes galloped these roads, carrying letters from General Washington, they more often patrolled between Valley Forge and Philadelphia, scouting for British troop movements. Since dragoons demanded frequent remounts, local farmers learned to hide their best horses.
Erected by National Park System.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 40° 5.685′ N, 75° 26.879′ W. Marker is near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. It is in Upper Merion Township. Marker is on Historic Trace Road south of Gulph Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Valley Forge National Historical Park, on the historic trace near the Artillery Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: King of Prussia PA 19406, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Artillery Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away); Site of the Marquee (approx. 0.2 miles away); To Build a Redoubt (approx. ¼ mile away); Innerline Defense (approx. ¼ mile away); A Pointed Defense (approx. 0.3 miles away); “Crowded and Very Sickly” (approx. 0.4 miles away); Huntington’s Brigade (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Phoenixville.
More about this marker. The background of the marker features a picture of a dragoon riding down a road, passing a wagon and soldiers. The upper right of the marker contains a portrait of Captain Henry Lee of the Light Dragoons. Below this is a picture of a Dragoon delivering a message to an American officer.
Also see . . . Valley Forge National Historical Park. National Park Service website. (Submitted on March 22, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.