Valley Forge National Park commemorates General Washington's encampment during the second year of the American Revolution. Although no battle was ever fought there, Valley Forge is a significant Revolutionary War site.
Valley Forge was the site of the Continental Army's encampment over the winter of 1777-78 under the command of General George Washington. Despite harsh conditions, the soldiers emerged from the encampment organized, trained and ready to fight the British.
In 1828, John Fanning Watson became the first person to visit Valley Forge as a tourist, long before the site officially opened to the public.
Washington's Headquarters was dedicated as a historic site in 1879. Valley Forge State Park opened in 1893 and the site became a national park in 1976.
The cornerstone for the Washington Memorial Chapel was laid in 1903 in honor of the 125th anniversary of the evacuation of Washington's army from Valley Forge.
The Valley Forge Welcome Center opened March 31, 1978. It features an exhibition called "Determined to Persevere" and an orientation film called "Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment."
In addition to the Welcome Center, Valley Forge presently includes Washington's Headquarters, Varum's Quarters, Muhlenberg's Brigade, the Knox Estate and the Washington Memorial Chapel. Several historic reenactments are held each year.
