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How large is Valley Forge National Historic Park?
- Valley Forge National Historic Park spans more than 3,500 acres of land within the suburban Philadelphia city of King of Prussia.
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How many people visit Valley Forge annually?
- More than 1.2 million people visit the park annually.
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What historic features can visitors explore at Valley Forge?
- Visitors can explore the park’s restored and recreated Revolutionary War-era structures, monuments, memorials, and museum facilities.
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What artifact collections are housed at Valley Forge?
- The park holds an extensive collection of artifacts related to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.
- The George C. Neumann Collection contains 1,600 firearms and weapons used during the war.
- The John F. Reed Collection highlights rare manuscripts and 18th-century documents.
- Additional collections include a photograph and postcard collection and an archaeological collection of items uncovered during park excavations.
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What is the Valley Forge Visitor Center?
- The Valley Forge Visitor Center serves as the main entrance to the park.
- It offers park information, exhibits, and an auditorium for educational programs.
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What film is shown at the Valley Forge Visitor Center?
- Visitors can watch the 18-minute orientation film, "Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment," in the Center’s auditorium.
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What special exhibits and features are available at the Visitor Center?
- Visitors can search through a muster roll of Continental Army soldiers who trained at Valley Forge.
- A special museum exhibit, Determined to Persevere, is highlighted.
- The Encampment Store sells Revolutionary War-themed books and gifts.
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What ranger-led programs are available from the Visitor Center?
- The Center offers a variety of ranger-led programs.
- Programs include 90-minute trolley tours and storytelling programs.
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What is Valley Forge National Historical Park?
- Located in King of Prussia, Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates the location of the Continental Army’s 1777-1778 third winter encampment.
- The encampment is credited with facilitating a notable turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
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When did the Continental Army train at Valley Forge?
- Between December 1777 and June 1778, more than 12,000 members of the Continental Army trained at an encampment approximately 20 miles outside of Philadelphia.
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Why was Valley Forge chosen as an encampment site?
- Valley Forge was chosen because of its proximity to York and Reading.
- It was also strategically distanced from British troops in Philadelphia.
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What challenges did the soldiers face at Valley Forge?
- Soldiers trained under General George Washington and endured harsh weather conditions, diseases, and significant resource shortages.
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Why is Valley Forge considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War?
- Despite hardships, the training program and the morale and strategy developed at Valley Forge are credited as a major turning point that led to eventual colonial victory.
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When did Valley Forge become a historic site?
- In 1893, the Valley Forge site was established as a Pennsylvania state park.
- In 1961, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.
- In 1966, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- In July 1976, in honor of the United States Bicentennial, the park was gifted to the care of the National Park Service as a national historical park.
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What historic buildings can visitors see at Valley Forge?
- The park features several preserved historic buildings, including Washington’s Quarters, a colonial home occupied by George Washington from 1777-1778, fully restored in 2009.
- Other general quarters buildings include one used by the Marquis de Lafayette.
- The park also features replica log cabins and earthwork structures based on historical accounts.
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What memorials are located in Valley Forge?
- The Washington Memorial Chapel was built in honor of Reverend W. Herbert Burk’s 1903 sermon honoring George Washington and serves as a functioning Episcopal church.
- The chapel includes the National Patriots Bell Tower carillon.
- The National Memorial Arch was dedicated with an inscription by George Washington in honor of the Continental Army.
- In 2009, the park acquired and restored the Valley Forge Train Station, which now serves as a museum and informational facility.
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What outdoor activities are available at Valley Forge?
- The park offers 26 miles of nature trails for hiking and bicycling.
- Popular trails include the 8.7-mile Joseph Plumb Martin Trail loop, the River Trail, and the Valley Creek Trail.
- Some trails connect to broader Philadelphia-area trail systems.
- Other activities include horseback riding, fishing, and kayaking along the Schuylkill River.
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What educational programs are available at Valley Forge?
- Park rangers in period-appropriate attire provide daily information and demonstrations at Washington’s Headquarters and other locations.
- Field trip opportunities for elementary and secondary students incorporate Pennsylvania curriculum standards.
- The Homeschool Days program offers special educational events for children aged 3-15.
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The park also hosts public special events throughout the year, including:
- Themed ranger-led walks
- Bicycling tours
- Annual Revolutionary Run event (five-mile race in April)
1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406, Phone: 610-783-1077, website, Map
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