Valley Forge

Reconstructed huts that Washington's troops stayed in during the winter of 1777-78.

National Memorial Arch

The arch, dedicated in 1917, commemorates the "patience and fidelity" of the soldiers who wintered at Valley Forge.

Headquarters

George Washington used the Isaac Potts house as his headquarters and it was a focal point of camp activities.  And all this time I thought he was roughing it!

Redoubt

During the winter the men built four redoubts to protect the right and left flanks of the first and second lines.  To build a redoubt, first a deep ditch was dug in front to slow the enemy.  Then the dirt was put into huge baskets made from branches.  Bundles of branches then lined the outside and inside of the wall.  Finally it was all covered with sod to absorb cannon fire.

Cannons were placed along both sides of the redoubts.

Notice the wooden chimney on this hut.

At the time of encampment there were over 2,000 log cabins built by the soldiers who also gathered supplies, constructed makeshift clothing and gear, and cooked subsistence meals of their own concoctions.  Provisions, though never abundant, were available.

Baron Friedrich vonSteuben

Baron vonSteuben, of Prussia, volunteered his services to the revolutionary cause and he is given credit for training the Valley Forge soldiers and preparing them for battle.

The woods looked much like they do today.

Washington Memorial Chapel

Washington Memorial Chapel is both an active Episcopal parish and a tribute to General George Washington.  It was completed in 1917 after a sermon preached by founder and first rector, Rev. Dr. W. Herbert  Burk.

Stained glass window featuring George Washington praying.  

Hand carved pews.

Angel detail on church pew.

National Patriots Bell Tower and Carillon 

Bell tower 

Statue of George Washington carved into the bell tower.  With 58 tuned bronze bells, the carillon is known as one of the world's largest and most beautiful.  This carillon is played by hand from a keyboard located in the midst of the bells.