On Valley Creek Road (Pennsylvania Route 525), on the left when traveling north.
Between here and the creek stood the forge. A low stone dam diverted water to power the bellows and hammer. Mount Misery, rising behind you, provided wood for charcoal. During the encampment, a road to the forge cut through the gap on the hill in . . . — — Map (db m28893) HM
This house, built about 1780, was the old Bird-in-Hand General Store. Originally this area was named "Bird-in-Hand" for sign of a tavern that stood nearby. A building just SW of here was a forge. Like the store it later was converted into a . . . — — Map (db m84846) HM
On Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the left when traveling east.
Dedicated to Major General Nathanael Greene Brigadier General James Mirchell Varnum Colonel Christopher Greene Colonel Israel Angell and to other officers and men of 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Regiments encamped at Valley Forge in 1777-1778. - Let . . . — — Map (db m28897) HM
On Allendale Road south of Wills Boulevard, on the left when traveling south.
On September 11, 2001 there was a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The attacks killed almost 3,000 . . . — — Map (db m126762) HM WM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Welcome to the fourth largest city in America. Arriving in this rural area in the winter of 1777, soldiers immediately began building 2000 log huts for shelter, earthworks for defense, and rubble roads to keep out the deep, boot-pulling mud. . . . — — Map (db m132268) HM
On Historic Trace Road, on the right when traveling south.
On the attack, this would be your perspective: advancing uphill, passing through sharp obstructions, only to face artillery and supporting infantry mounted in the redan. Brigade huts would be across the road, just behind the defenses. These . . . — — Map (db m28973) HM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Soldiers constructed earthen fortifications called redoubts (French for a place of retreat). These redoubts were connected by miles of entrenchments designed to strengthen the natural advantages of the terrain here. These fortifications were part . . . — — Map (db m132287) HM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) 0.3 miles east of Gulph Road (Pennsylvania Route 3031), on the left when traveling east.
Americans of the Revolutionary era looked to ancient Rome and Greece as models of republican ideals. This statue, a bronze copy of the original marble which has stood in the rotunda of the Virginia State capitol since 1796, includes both . . . — — Map (db m77119) HM
Near North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Look down this hill. Imagine you are a soldier on the lookout for British soldiers approaching from Philadelphia. In 1777, this view was completely open, with no trees or buildings. The miles-long view from this hilltop made this a well protected . . . — — Map (db m132298) HM
On Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the left when traveling east.
Always present, Washington’s guard occupied huts here. This special detachment was created to protect the Commander in Chief, his official family, and his equipment, supplies, and papers. Washington required that each life guard, as they called . . . — — Map (db m28888) HM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) 0.3 miles east of Gulph Road, on the left when traveling east.
Who owned and lived in the building when Washington arrived?
The house was built for Isaac Potts, and iron master who was one of the owners of the Valley Forge. At the time of the winter encampment in 1777, he was not living there but had . . . — — Map (db m77124) HM
On North Outer Line Drive at Gulph Road, on the right when traveling west on North Outer Line Drive.
“In remembrance of the Continental Army led by George Washington, a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in honor of the many Freemasons who were part of the encampment at this site, the Freemasons of Pennsylvania place this monument so . . . — — Map (db m28919) HM
On Outer Line Road, on the right when traveling west.
Major General Nathaniel Greene Muhlenberg’s Brigade Brig. General J. Peter G. Muhlenberg commanding “German Regiment” Pennsylvania Line Lieut. Col. Lewis Weltner (Raised July 12 1776 – Mustered out January 1781) 1st Regiment . . . — — Map (db m28839) HM
On Inner Line Drive, on the left when traveling east.
The low mound in front of you is part of the original earthworks of the fortified encampment of Valley Forge. They extended about one mile from Mount Joy on the south to the Schuylkill River to the north. — — Map (db m132337) HM
On Allendale Road south of Wills Boulevard, on the left when traveling south.
Dedicated to the
Charter Members
of the
King of Prussia
Volunteer Fire Company #1-
June 29, 1991
Charter Members - May 1950
William Anderson • Edward A. Mathis
John W. Brennan • Salvatore Mazzerle
Lewis S. Granger, Jr. • Norman . . . — — Map (db m126749) HM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23).
In Honor of All Loyal Patriots
Who Served under the Command of
General George Washington
In the Winter Encampment at
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
December 19, 1777 - June 19, 1778
and in Honor of
Donald G. Cronan, Founder of the . . . — — Map (db m22167) HM
On North Outer Line Drive at Gulph Road, on the right when traveling west on North Outer Line Drive.
This monument is erected by a grateful Commonwealth in memory of the soldiers of Massachusetts who served at Valley Forge 19 Dec 1777 19 June 1778 Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem < Back of Monument > Massachusetts soldiers who . . . — — Map (db m28965) WM
On Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the right when traveling west.
This tower is dedicated by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to those Patriots of the Revolutionary War whose faith and courage won and established American Freedom and to those Heroes of World Wars I and II who defended and . . . — — Map (db m22158) WM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The five redoubts were positioned on high points, each visible to each other. Officers used telescopes to observe and communicate visually. The frame is aimed toward Redoubt 3 on Mount Joy. Redoubt 3 anchored the southwest end of the inner . . . — — Map (db m132297) HM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Troops originally built this redoubt by hand using shovels and picks. A redoubt was cleverly designed so that every part strengthened its defensive role or provided an obstacle to attack. Soldiers appreciated how these pieces fit together and . . . — — Map (db m132296) HM
Near Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the left when traveling east.
The perseverance of the soldiers at Valley Forge is a beloved American story. Long-discussed ideas for commemoration of their sacrifices were implemented after the disruption of the Civil War, when the centennials of both the Declaration of . . . — — Map (db m29110) HM
On S Outer Line Drive, on the left when traveling south.
George Washington, Valley Forge and Freemasonry represent patriotism, freedom and brotherly love to all Freemasons. Washington served as Master of his Masonic Lodge at the same time he was President of the United States. Through the preservation of . . . — — Map (db m11884) HM
Near Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the left when traveling east.
An iron forge was established in this remote place in the early 1700s, as there was ample water power from Valley Creek, limestone for processing iron ore, and timber to make charcoal to fuel the furnaces. Soon, dams and mill races, charcoal houses, . . . — — Map (db m29010) HM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The large protected valley in front of you is the Grand Parade. Extending from where you are standing to the ridge almost a mile away, it served as the centerpiece of camp. When units from the various states arrived at Valley Forge in December . . . — — Map (db m132279) HM
On Valley Creek Road, on the left when traveling north.
Valley Creek flows through the historic Village of Valley Forge to its confluence with the Schuylkill River, just downstream of this point. Once the primary source of water and power for a bustling town, it now is one of the park’s most important . . . — — Map (db m230961) HM
Near Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the right when traveling west.
Just upstream is the site of the Valley Forge, for which this area was named. The Continental Army used the forge to store foods and weapons. Three months before the winter encampment, the British swept through on September 18, 1777 and burned the . . . — — Map (db m28835) HM
On Inner Line Drive at Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Highway 23), on the left when traveling east on Inner Line Drive.
For six months this quiet path was a congested thoroughfare. Express riders from Congress, civilians requesting passes, guards posted around the house, couriers rushing out with new orders, foreign officers seeking employment, continually jammed . . . — — Map (db m5668) HM
On Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the right when traveling east.
This 50 foot granite obelisk was erected in 1901 by the Daughters of the Revolution. It marks the site of the only identified grave at Valley Forge, that of Lieutenant John Waterman of Rhode Island, who died on April 23, 1778. — — Map (db m234313) HM
Rector of Christ and St. Peter's Churches in Philadelphia. Chaplain to the Continental Congress. First Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania. Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church. — — Map (db m136043) HM
On North Outer Line Drive, on the left when traveling east.
The countryside was stripped of trees. All available wood went to build and heat the city of huts that crowded this ridge. When the Continental Army wintered here, every acre was heavily used – for entrenchments, stock pens, an artillery . . . — — Map (db m8828) HM
Some redoubts and earthworks went unarmed. Most cannons at Valley Forge were kept in the Artillery Park near the center of the encampment. From here guns could be rushed to the point of attack. The Artillery Park gave the Americans a flexible . . . — — Map (db m5674) HM
On South Inner Line Drive, on the left when traveling south.
The low mound in front of you is part of the original earthworks of the fortified encampment of Valley Forge. They extended about one mile from Mount Joy on the south to the Schuylkill River to the north. — — Map (db m132343) HM
On Historic Trace Road south of Gulph Road, on the right when traveling south.
Adapting to the terrain, the arriving army used peaceful farm roads as lines of communication within the sprawling encampment. Livestock, commissary wagons, and troops dragging firewood quickly turned roads into rivers of mud. After Sullivan’s . . . — — Map (db m28966) HM
On Historic Trace Road south of North Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Putrid fever, the itch, diarrhea, dysentery and rheumatism were some of the afflictions suffered by the Continental troops. At Valley Forge the Hospital Department inoculated two to three thousand against smallpox. Medicine, food, blankets and . . . — — Map (db m28969) HM
The State of Delaware erects this marker in memory of her gallant sons who endured the hardships and privations of the memorial winter of 1777-1778 on the hills of Valley Forge. — — Map (db m84847) WM
On Valley Forge Road (Local Route 23) at Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling east on Valley Forge Road.
"an officer of great worth and merit" George Washington
During the winter of Valley Forge, Gen. Lachlan McIntosh of Georgia
commanded the first brigade of the Continental Amy. The Brigade
which was composed of North Carolina regiments, was . . . — — Map (db m66069) WM
On Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the left when traveling east.
The headquarters house overlooking the confluence of Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River was the hub of military activity. It was from here that General Washington, with the assistance of his staff, conducted the daily routine of the army. Often . . . — — Map (db m28903) HM
On Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Erected by The State of New Jersey upon the site occupied by the New Jersey Brigade Infantry – Line – Continental Army Brigadier General William Maxwell First Regiment Col. Mathias Ogden Second Regiment Col. Israel Shreve Third . . . — — Map (db m28831) WM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) 0.3 miles east of Gulph Road (Pennsylvania Route 3031), on the left when traveling east.
The land just across the Schuylkill River played a vital role in the winter encampment. Provisions and armaments from throughout the region were brought there, and the army built a bridge for access across the river just downstream of this point. . . . — — Map (db m77123) HM
On Gulph Road at Historic Trace Road, on the left when traveling west on Gulph Road.
This one room stone structure was built about 35 years after the encampment when the village of Valley Forge was expanding with industry. It served as a school until a new and larger building was constructed directly across Gulph Road. It then . . . — — Map (db m28880) HM
On South Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Major General John Sullivan Maxwell’s Brigade Brig. General William Maxwell commanding 1st. New Jersey Infantry Colonel Mathias Ogden 2nd. New Jersey Infantry Colonel Israel Shreve 3rd. New Jersey Infantry Colonel Elias Dayton 4th. New . . . — — Map (db m28832) WM
On Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) at Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling east on Valley Forge Road.
Cannon smoke clouds the fields below. A roar of muskets crisscrosses the Grand Parade as thousands of double-ranked troops perform a feu de joie (“fire of joy.”) To celebrate the signing of the French Treaty of Alliance, General . . . — — Map (db m5701) HM
On South Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling north.
The earthworks today appear to be giant molehills. But it took complex engineering to construct them. A deep ditch was excavated in front, to slow an attacking enemy. The dirt was heaped into gabions - baskets of interwoven branches. Bundles . . . — — Map (db m11887) HM
On Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) at Inner Line Drive, on the right when traveling east on Valley Forge Road.
Like a drill sergeant, Inspector General Friedrich von Steuben trains eyeball to eyeball with a company of Continentals. This model company must serve as an example to the rest of Washington’s army. The Grand Parade, here at the center if the . . . — — Map (db m5698) HM
On Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the right when traveling east.
When he moved in, General James Varnum used one room as both living quarters and brigade headquarters, and even held general courts martial. The owners, David and Elizabeth Stephens and their family, were allowed to remain in the rest of the . . . — — Map (db m28862) HM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) 0.3 miles east of Gulph Road (Pennsylvania Route 3031), on the left when traveling east.
”We had engaged in the defense of our injured country and we were determined to persevere.”
Private Joseph Plumb Martin
Valley Forge: An American Symbol
Welcome to Washington’s Headquarters, site of General . . . — — Map (db m77122) HM
Near Valley Forge Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 23) 0.3 miles east of Gulph Road (Pennsylvania Route 3031), on the left when traveling east.
Location Matters
Just 20 miles outside Philadelphia, Valley Forge was close enough to monitor British army activities but far enough away to prevent a surprise attack. Washington used this hilly country to his advantage, building . . . — — Map (db m77120) HM
On Outer Line Road, on the right when traveling west.
Major General Nathaniel Greene Weedon’s Brigade Brig. General George Weedon commanding 13th Regiment Infantry Pennsylvania Line Col. Walter Stewart (Raised as “State Regiment of Foot” March 1 1777 attached to Pennsylvania Line as 13th . . . — — Map (db m28841) HM
On Outer Line Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Following their arrival December 19, 1777, the men immediately set to work building huts for shelter. General orders the preceding day specified the size and design of the huts: 14 x 16 feet each, 6½ feet high, a door next to the street and a . . . — — Map (db m6149) HM
On Outer Line Road, on the right when traveling west.
To commemorate the officers and men from that part of New England now known as the State of Maine who served in Massachusetts regiments in the Continental Army under Washington at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777 – 8 sharing the hardships . . . — — Map (db m28837) HM WM
On Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (Pennsylvania Route 23) 1 mile west of U.S. 422, on the left when traveling west.
who served, suffered and sacrificed during the Valley Forge encampment, 1776-1778
"Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black patriots who participated in the nation's bitter fight for independence."
Charles L. . . . — — Map (db m6808) HM
