Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight winter encampments for the Continental Army's main body, commanded by General George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War.

 

In September 1777, Congress fled Philadelphia to escape the British capture of the city.

 

After failing to retake Philadelphia, Washington led his 12,000 man army into winter quarters at Valley Forge, located approximately 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

 

They remained there for six months, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.

 

The name Valley Forge comes from the iron forge built along Valley Creek in the 1740s.

 

By the time of the American Revolution, a sawmill and gristmill had been added, making this place an important American supply base.

​

Valley Forge National Historical Park, established as a national historic site in 1976, protects and preserves over 3,500 acres of the original encampment site.

 

In 2011, 1.3 million people visited the park.

​

The park offers programs, tours, and activities to help you understand the significance of the events associated with the 1777 - 1778 encampment and with the park's natural history.

 

Exhibits and artifacts show what life was like during that difficult winter.

​