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Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge»

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 5 is Washington’s Headquarters.

Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge is the Isaac Potts House.  Washington stayed here and strategized with his officers during the winter encampment.

As we entered the house, the ranger encouraged us to hold on to the banister.  This is the original railing. We considered that we were touching the same spot where Alexander Hamilton and George Washington had rested their hands over two centuries ago.

Isaac Potts was a Quaker who owned a grist mill nearby. He was wealthy as is evidenced by the number of multi-paned windows in the home. Taxation in those days was based on the number of windowpanes on a structure.

Valley Forge posts:

• Valley Forge National Historical Park
• Muhlenberg Brigade
• National Memorial Arch
• Washington’s Headquarters
• Valley Forge Station
• 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