Valley Forge offers a variety of historical views and background into the site that became Pennsylvania's first state park. Highlights include Washington's Headquarters and the patriotic and inspiring Washington Memorial Chapel, as well as Revolutionary War artifacts that have found a home in Valley Forge. Thousands of books exist on the history of the American War for Independence, but few describe the events and people who have struggled to preserve that story of independence for people everywhere, as Valley Forge does.
Background Information
George Washington quartered his Continental Army troops at Valley Forge in miserable conditions during the winter of 1777-1778. The Continental Army was a poorly paid, under-equipped force that fought the British and gained American independence during the Revolution. The American Revolution started earlier than the War of Independence and last until peace was signed in 1783. George Washington fought in both the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars, and was his country's first President. Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, leading the way during the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.