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| Tour |
This self-guided tour route, referenced to stop locations on the map, will take you past extensive remains and reconstructions of major forts and lines of earthworks, the Artillery Park, Washington's Headquarters, quarters of other officers, and the Grand Parade where General von Steuben rebuilt the army. These plus reconstructed huts, memorials, monuments, and markers, help to tell the story of the men who, at Valley Forge, helped to write an imperishable chapter in the history of America's struggle for independence.
When you visit the Park you may wish to take advantage of the regularly scheduled bus tour offered from May to September. For a fee, the tour, featuring a taped narration, allows you to spend as much time as you wish at historically significant areas in the park. |
| Tour Stop 1: Visitor Center |
| Start your tour here, at the junction of North Gulph Road and Pa. 23, where an audio-visual program and exhibits introduce you to the story of the 1777-78 encampment. Park staff will gladly help you plan your visit and provide information on special events, seasonal programs, and other park activities. An auto tape tour is available for purchase. Restrooms are accessible. |
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| Tour Stop 2: Muhlenberg Brigade |
| Replicated huts mark the site where Gen. Peter Muhlenberg's Brigade anchored the outer line of defense. Here interpreters in period costume demonstrate conditions of soldier life (seasonal, weekends). |
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| Tour Stop 3: Memorial Arch |
| The National Memorial Arch, a dominant feature of the park, was dedicated in 1917 and commemorates the "patience and fidelity" of the soldiers who wintered at Valley Forge in 1777-78. |
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| Tour Stop 4: Wayne Statue |
| The bronze equestrian Wayne Statue stands in an area where Pennsylvania troops commanded by Gen. Anthony Wayne were encamped. The statue faces toward the general's home in nearby Chester County. |
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| Tour Stop 5: Headquarters |
| The focal point of camp activities was the Isaac Potts House, Washington's Headquarters. Nearby are the Dewees House and the replica huts that housed the Commander in Chief's Guards. A seasonal fee is charged. |
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| Tour Stop 6: Redoubt 4 |
| Redoubt 4 (Fort Huntington) anchored one end of the inner, or second, line of defense. The area around this work was occupied by troops commanded by Brig. Gen. Jedediah Huntington. |
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| Tour Stop 7: Redoubt 3 |
| Redoubt 3 (Fort Washington) anchored the other end of the inner defense line. Overlooking one of the encampment roads, this work defended the southern approaches to Valley Forge. |
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| Tour Stop 8: Artillery Park |
| Most of the cannon brought to Valley Forge were massed in the Artillery Park. Here, under the command of Brig. Gen. Henry Knox, artillery was stored and repaired and gun crews were trained and drilled. In the event of an attack, the cannon could be dispatched from this central location to wherever they were needed. |
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| Tour Stop 9: Varnum's Quarters |
| This early 18th-century farmhouse, which overlooks the Grand Parade, served as quarters for Gen. James Varnum. Nearby stands a statue of General von Steuben, who supervised the training of the Continental Army. |
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| Tour Stop 10: Washington Memorial Chapel |
| Located on private property within the park, the Chapel is home to an active congregation. The beautifully appointed interior of this early 20th century church commemorates George Washington's service to his country. |
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