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Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves the site of George Washington’s Continental Army’s winter encampment. From December 1777 to June 1778, the army camped, trained and suffered through a hard winter. The troops were decimated by disease, starvation and desertion due to the harsh living conditions.
After stopping at the visitor center and watching the introductory film, we got directions for the 10-mile Encampment Tour. This is a self-guided driving tour with nine stops. Stop number 2 is the Muhlenberg Brigade.
Before the war, Peter Muhlenberg was a Lutheran pastor. As a Brigadier General in Washington’s Army, his troops were the first line of defense for Valley Forge. From their encampment, they would have been the first to engage the British, had they approached from Philadelphia.
At this site are several recreated soldier’s huts, an underground oven and a redoubt. A redoubt is an earthen defensive fort. During peak times, costumed actors provide living history demonstrations in the Muhlenberg area.
Valley Forge posts:
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Muhlenberg Brigade
- National Memorial Arch (Coming Soon)
- Washington’s Headquarters (Coming Soon)
- Valley Forge Station (Coming Soon)
- Washington Memorial Chapel (Coming Soon)
Location: 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Designation: National Historical Park
Date designated or established: July 4, 1976
Date of my visit: 10/4/2019
Missed going here during my time in Philly, did you see the Justice Bell?
Yes, I believe it was in the chapel. Have to go back and look at those pics
I just recently finished the chapter about that in Ron Chernow’s “Washington” – It made me really want to visit! So thanks for the sneak peek! 🙂
Hello there, again. I’ve been here to Valley Forge cause it’s a short drive away. It’s a great place to visit. I had made a post about this a while back. So much History around my area.
Looks like you had a beautiful day to visit. I’d forgotten how close it is to Philadelphia.
Yes, it was a lovely day 🧡
👍🏻👍🏻
Interesting that the huts didn’t include any windows. Definitely close quarters.
I guess they couldn’t get glass… would have been too cold
We want to visit this place…..still on our list. Thanks for the peek. Those are solid structures.
Happy to help 😊
I have to think that the huts would have been a significant improvement over tents. –Curt
Yes indeed❄