On History’s Trail at Valley Forge

Reading Revolutionary War accounts in the history books gives some understanding of the suffering of our Colonial soldiers, but not until you visit Valley Forge, Pa., can you fully comprehend the hardship endured by Gen. George Washington and his troops during that terrible winter of 1777 to 1778.

Poorly clothed, ill-fed, wet and cold, 2,000 of the 12,000 soldiers died due to sickness and disease. Twelve men crowded into log shelters measuring 14 by 16 feet.

The survivors went on to become a cohesive fighting force thanks to the moral resolve of George Washington and the soldiering skills taught by Prussian drillmaster Baron Frederick von Steuben.

At Valley Forge National Historic Park you can view the extensive earthworks dug by soldiers to defend their position from the British, a reconstruction of Washington’s headquarters, the parade ground, artillery (that rangers sometimes fire), plus more markers, memorials and monuments than you can count.

On display at the visitor center are artifacts, personal effects of the soldiers, a large collection of weaponry and George Washington’s tent. Be sure to view the 18-minute film “Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment” that provides a dramatization of that fateful winter and helps visitors better appreciate the historic park.

Unlike some other Eastern historic parks that consist of a single building or battlefield, Valley Forge is a good-sized park--3,500 acres of rolling hills that are mighty easy on the eye. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding and picnicking are popular park activities.

Valley Forge is ringed with a six-mile-long paved biking and hiking path that tours the historic sites, monuments and brigade encampments. It’s a pleasant enough way to see the sights, but the more secluded nature walk is the trail leading along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Schuylkill River Trail, honored as a National Recreation Trail for its scenic and historic interest, follows the river on the bank opposite the army encampment. The pathway offers the beauty of the eastern woods and glimpses of deer and other wildlife. Plenty of benches en route offer the opportunity to rest and to contemplate the harshness of the soldiers’ lives.

Most visitors come to Valley Forge, located 20 miles from Philadelphia, in the summer, but the national historic park is open all year. The park service has a very active interpretive program with ranger talks and walks that include “Native Americans in the Revolution” and “Discipline, Muskets and Bayonets.” One of the park’s biggest events, “The March-in of the Continental Army Into Valley Forge,” takes place every Dec. 19 to honor the Army’s arrival on that date in 1777.

The five-mile-long ranger-led bird walk that departs from nearby Mill Grove Sanctuary (John Audubon’s home) is a must-do for enthusiastic bird-watchers.

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Schuylkill River Trail Where: Valley Forge National Historic Park near Philadelphia, Pa. Distance: 6 miles round trip; shorter river walks and history walks possible. Terrain: Rolling hills dotted with elms, dogwood, evergreens. Highlights: Best known Revolutionary War site; scenic and historic inspiration. Degree of Difficulty: Easy. Precautions: Cold and damp in winter! For More Information: Valley Forge National Historic Park, Valley Forge, Pa. 19481; tel. (215) 783-1077.