It took a grass roots campaign to get the Federal Government to purchase the land from the developer two years later, for $7.5 million.[20]. Valley Forge National Historical Park is not just a space to discover history, it is a haven for outdoor recreation in the Philadelphia region. U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania, "Records of the Valley Forge Park Commission (VFPC)", "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Valley Forge State Park / Valley Forge", Valley Forge National Historical Park - Washington Memorial Chapel (U.S. National Park Service), "All Info - H.R.5621 - 94th Congress (1975-1976): A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes", http://npshistory.com/publications/vafo/adhi.pdf, "National Park Service: Historic Listings of NPS Officials (Superintendents of National Park System Areas)", "Valley Forge introduces new superintendent", "Kate Hammond named Superintendent of Valley Forge National Historical Park - Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)", "Steven Sims Chosen as Superintendent of Valley Forge National Historical Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site - Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)", "Rose Fennell Named Superintendent - Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)", "National Park Service to Merge 2 Regions in East", "CHAPTER FIVE: The Churches at Valley Forge", "Toll Bros: History, Land ... and Battles", http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/pa/20080215_Keep_Valley_Forge_sacred.html, "Park Advocates Sue Lower Providence Township in Federal Court to Deny Valley Forge Rezoning", "White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA", US National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania, History of the National Register of Historic Places, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area, Carbon County Environmental Education Center, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Harrison Hills Park Environmental Education Center, Honey Hollow Environmental Education Center, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 9/11 Memorial, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valley_Forge_National_Historical_Park&oldid=992424010, National Historical Parks of the United States, National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania, Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania, Historic American Buildings Survey in Pennsylvania, Historic American Engineering Record in Pennsylvania, Museums in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, American Revolutionary War museums in Pennsylvania, National Park Service areas in Pennsylvania, Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, National Register of Historic Places in Chester County, Pennsylvania, National Register of Historic Places in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania, American Revolution on the National Register of Historic Places, Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Protected areas of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Protected areas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2019, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from October 2020, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 5 December 2020, at 05:20. Valley Forge Park Historical Record & Guide Book 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree Edition . [18] Constructed of the same type of stone as Washington's Headquarters, the building was erected on a large man-made embankment overlooking the headquarters site. Visitors can see restored historic structures, reconstructed structures such as the iconic log huts, and monuments erected by the states from which the Continental soldiers came. The commemoration of the Continental Army’s arrival at Valley Forge is a popular annual event, and this year’s programming will be online! Quarters of other Continental Army generals are also in the park, including those of Huntington, Varnum, Lord Stirling, Lafayette, and Knox. [3] The area around Washington's Headquarters was chosen as the park site. Portions of regional trails, including the Horse Shoe Trail and the Schuylkill River Trail, also run through the park. Varnum's quarters is open on weekends during the summer. In 1976, the site was officially designated Valley Forge Park in recognition of the nation's Bi-Centennial. Please park in … Near Washington's Headquarters is the Valley Forge Train Station, owned by the park. This kind of…, This holiday season, enjoy a meal with great food and drinks from these Montgomery County…. Share the love by tagging your Instagram posts with hashtag #MakeItMontco. From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, the main body of the Continental Army (approximately 12,000 troops) was encamped at Valley Forge. This page will help you plan and guide your visit to Valley Forge during COVID-19. [7], Upon its designation as a National Park in 1976, Valley Forge was considered a part of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Park Service. Efforts to divert the traffic have thus far been unsuccessful, owing to existing traffic volume on alternate routes. Your History. As a park in an increasingly urbanized area, Valley Forge faces problems including traffic, urban sprawl, and an overpopulation of white-tailed deer. Next door to the train station is the main reason to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park. There are three picnic areas located on the site. Other activities include horseback riding and canoeing/kayaking. #3 … Valley Forge Park Road (PA Route 23), a heavily traveled two-lane commuter road, passes through the park and carries about six million vehicles per year of mostly commuter traffic. The tower was closed in the 1980s because of deterioration, liability concerns, and the surrounding trees outgrowing the platform. The park contains historical buildings, recreated encampment structures, memorials, museums, and recreation facilities. Visit our website … The Valley Forge 5-Mile Revolutionary Run is also held in the park every April. The visitor center, built in 1976, was undergoing renovations, and visitor center operations have moved to a temporary visitor center, located in the parking lot of the existing facility. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. 60K likes. Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park protects and preserves over 3,500 acres of the original … See all 1 Valley Forge National Historical Park tours on Tripadvisor Near the visitor center is another station at Port Kennedy, on the same line. The park encompasses 3,500 acres (1,400 ha)[2] and is visited by over 1.2 million people each year. Before you leave, sign up to receive emails about the latest happenings, events and special offers delivered a few times per month. Earthworks for the defense of the encampment are visible, including four redoubts, the ditch for the Inner Line Defenses, and a reconstructed abatis. Rehabilitation of the headquarters area was completed in summer 2009, and included the restoration of the old Valley Forge train station into an information center, new guided tours, new exhibits throughout the landscape, and the elimination of several acres of modern paving and restoration of the historic landscape. The main entrance to Valley Forge National Historic Park is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, in King of Prussia, PA, about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia. 90-minute bus tours of the park and bike rentals are available seasonally. Valley Forge Park Trails in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Wildlife watching, fishing, and boating on the nearby Schuylkill River also are popular. [17] The station was restored in 2009 and is used as a museum and information center that offers visitors a better understanding of Washington's Headquarters and the village of Valley Forge. Valley Forge was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was listed in the initial National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The drive is lined with large (~2 m high) memorial stones for each of the brigades, or "lines", that encamped there. Staffed 10-4 weekends. The Mid-Atlantic Region included five states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. In the days leading up to Saturday, December 19 (the date of the weary army's arrival) Valley Forge National Historical Park will release a series of fun and engaging virtual programs. Mountain Biking Valley Forge Park River Trail Add a review #56 of 297 mountain bike trails in Pennsylvania #2,423 in the world. Other historical buildings include the P.C. Respect our parks! Site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army, This article is about the National Historical Park. Here is the official Valley Forge map showing the various tour routes, trails, roads, and points of interest. This changed in 1995 when the North Atlantic Region merged with the Mid-Atlantic Region to create the Northeast Region.[14]. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. On December 14, 2018 the National Park Service opened a new 5,760 square-foot Visitor Center within Valley Forge National Historical Park. [6] In addition to establishing Valley Forge National Park, the law also allocated an initial budget of $8,622,000 and an additional $500,000 for essential facilities. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Legal. Valley Forge Park is a must-visit for history buffs looking to discover more about American history and the Revolutionary War. Throughout the park there are reconstructed log cabins of the type thought to be used during the encampment. The park's visitor center includes a museum with artifacts found during excavations of the park, an interactive muster roll of Continental soldiers encamped at Valley Forge, ranger-led gallery programs and walks, a storytelling program, a photo gallery, a visitor information desk, and a store for books and souvenirs. Valley Forge National Historical Park is located just 18 miles west of Center City Philadelphia and is easily accessible from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Retail Sales Locations MBTA riders can purchase tickets and passes for the Commuter Rail, bus, subway, and ferry at stores located throughout the Greater Boston and Providence areas. Surrounded by 3,500 acres of rolling green meadows and towering trees, The Philander Chase Knox Estate provides an oasis of natural beauty for your rustic and elegant event. Valley Forge, PA Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. The Historic Philander Chase Knox Estate at Valley Forge National Park. The area where it stood is now only accessible by foot trail, the roads have been removed and the area is being given back to the woods. Our Story . That runs in a 2-mile loop. Valley Forge National Historical Park is a true group destination. For other uses, see. The park is home to more than 20 miles of multi-use trails that can be explored on foot, by bike, on horseback, or by water. The Cabin Shop is the only location within Valley Forge National Historical Park serving snacks and meals. A key attraction of the park is the restored colonial home used by General George Washington as his headquarters during the encampment. [4][5] The area covered by these listings goes outside what was the Valley Forge State Park boundaries to include four historic houses where the Marquis de Lafayette and other officers were quartered. 610-783-0120 ©2020 Washington Memorial Chapel, P.O. Help. Fares cannot be purchased at Forge Park/495. Top Reasons to Host Your Event in Valley Forge, Crave Deals - Exclusive Restaurant Offers. [15] The chapel and attached bell tower are not technically part of the park but serve the spiritual needs of the park and the community that surround it. The National Park Service preserves the site and interprets the history of the Valley Forge encampment. Valley Forge was established as the first state park of Pennsylvania in 1893 by the Valley Forge Park Commission (VFPC) "to preserve, improve, and maintain as a public park the site on which General George Washington's army encamped at Valley Forge.". Originally Valley Forge State Park, it became a national historical parkin 1976. Pre-existing dolomite quarries were subsequently backfilled with asbestos-containing slurry waste materials. When the Park Service was unable to purchase it, it was sold to Toll Brothers, a real estate development company, for $2.5 million. The chapel is the legacy of Rev. The National Park Service preserves the site and interprets the history of the Valley Forge encampment. Our Mission. The park also provides 26 miles (42 km) of hiking and biking trails, which are connected to a robust regional trails system. Those areas of the park are closed to visitors, and an effort is underway at permanent remediation. Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, taking place from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. At this entrance, you will find the Visitor Center and Encampment Store. The National Park Service has leased the historic Philander Chase Knox Estate to Valley Forge Park Events, LLC (A partnership between Robert Ryan Catering & Design and The Party Center) in an effort to enhance this and other sites within Valley Forge National Historic Park for generations to come. On December 14, 2018 the National Park Service opened a new 5,760 square-foot Visitor Center within Valley Forge … This historic estate is located just over the Knox Covered Bridge in a picturesque … Historical Valley Forge Memorial Gardens, located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was established in 1915 on farmland that dates back to the late 1600s. the Incomparable Patience and Fidelity The main trail is the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail, which encircles 8.7 miles of the park. The main trail is 3 miles, crushed gravel, multi-use (peds & horses). Click the image to view a full size JPG (1.7 mb) or download the PDF (17.9 mb). Watch for O-signs after the junction with Route 252. The park contains historical buildin… Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the collective sacrifices and dedication of the Revolutionary War generation, it pays homage to the ability of everyday Americans to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. Valley Forge Park Map and Brief Tour Key to Map #1 VISITOR CENTER Information, film every 30 minutes, displays, bookstore, rest rooms. John Roberts, a Welshman, arrived in the King of Prussia area in 1682 and operated a farm and grist mill, part of which is now the site of Valley Forge Memorial Gardens. Following the American failures at the nearby … There are also several historical buildings that have not been made open to the public because of reasons such as their current state of disrepair. Last-minute getaway? In the city, there is local transportation such as buses for your convenience of getting around. Valley Creek Trail is a 2.9 mile out and back trail located near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. In 2008, the National Park Service released a draft deer management plan and environmental impact statement for public review. Inspired by Burk's 1903 sermon on Washington's birthday, the chapel is a functioning Episcopal Church, built as a tribute to Washington. In 1923, the VFPC was brought under the Department of Forests and Waters and later incorporated into the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1971.[3]. Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The arch was commissioned by an act of the 61st Congress in 1910 and completed in 1917. An overpopulation of white-tailed deer has resulted in "changes in the species composition, abundance, and distribution of native plant communities and associated wildlife" in the park. VALLEY FORGE PARK ALLIANCE Your Oasis. Nearby, there are fun activities and attractions such as Valley Forge National Historical Park, Maurice Stephens House, and Varnum's Picnic Area for friends and family to enjoy. The many trails in Valley Forge allow for different activities such as jogging, walking and biking. Valley Forge National Historical Park was created to preserve our nation's history and tell the story of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78. Crossing Gulph Road at the arch, the drive proceeds through the Pennsylvania Columns and past the hilltop statue of Anthony Wayne on horse. Valley Forge is located 18 miles west of Philadelphia, along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), near lively areas like King of Prussia and Phoenixville in Montgomery County. #2 MUHLENBERG BRIGADE Reconstructed soldiers' huts on the site of General Peter Muhlenberg's brigade. The opening of this new, temporary facility will enable construction to begin on a $12 million renovation to the current Visitor Center (built 1976). Also owned by the park, the station, both platforms and the former parking area are in a state of disrepair.[19]. [24] Since the plan was put into place, natural habitats have been restored and vegetation not seen in the park for decades has begun to return. On the west bank of Pennsylvania's Schuylkill River, Valley Forge was the Revolutionary War encampment site of General George Washington and 11,000 troops beginning in December 1777. Camping near Valley Forge National Historical Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a … Through the years, the park has grown to be much more than historic site. For More Information … The intent of the controversial plan was to "support long-term protection, preservation, and restoration of native vegetation and other natural resources within the park. Atop Mount Joy, the highest elevation in the main park area, stood a steel observation tower. 1½ miles in, there is a cutoff to a doubletrack on the north side. Box 98, Valley Forge PA 19481 - Here’s a Valley Forge historical map showing the layout of Washington’s encampments during the winter … At Valley Forge, the Continentals struggled to manage a disastrous supply crisis while retraining and reorganizing their units. With the exception of the detached kitchen, the house has original architectural details. The original redoubts and several redans on Route 23, Outer Line Drive, and Inner Line Drive were covered with sod to preserve them, but they are currently in need of further restoration. Ranger programs, tours (walking and trolley), and activities are available seasonally. Visitor services, including The Encampment Store, the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board information desk, public tours and the park orientation film will continue uninterrupted in the new Visitor Center. In 2007, a non-profit organization – the American Revolution Center – purchased 78 acres (32 ha) of land within the park boundary with plans to construct a conference center, hotel, retail, campground and museum on the site. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Valley Forge, PA. Our Mission to inspire appreciation of and support for Valley Forge National Historical Park. A 48 page well illustrated soft cover booklet. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Valley Forge National Historical Park.