Filed Under: Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback, Paddling
The men and women of the Continental Army were ordinary men and women ? like many of us, but these everyday men and women were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the collective sacrifices and dedication of the Revolutionary War generation, it pays homage to the ability of everyday Americans to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.
Of all the places associated with the American War for Independence, perhaps none has come to symbolize perseverance and sacrifice more than Valley Forge. The hardships of the encampment claimed the lives of one in ten, nearly all from disease. Despite the privations suffered by the army at Valley Forge, Washington and his generals built a unified professional military organization that ultimately enabled the Continental Army to triumph over the British.
Perhaps one of Washington?s soldiers said it best when he described his reasons for not abandoning the field despite the harsh conditions: "We had engaged in the defense of our wounded country and . . . we were determined to persevere." Private Joseph Plumb Martin, 8th Connecticut regiment, December 1777.
Map
http://www.nps.gov/vafo/pphtml/maps.html
Directions
Plane - Philadelphia International Airport is located 25 miles away from the park. From the airport, take 95 south, 476 north, then 76 west.
Car - From New York, and points northeast, and also from Harrisburg and points west via the PA Turnpike (Interstate 76/276): Get off at Exit 326 (old exit 24) - "Valley Forge." Use right side of tollbooth. Take Valley Forge exit just beyond tollbooth. Sign says ?Exit 327 (old exit 25) Valley Forge.? Go north on N. Gulph Rd for approximately 1.5 miles - just after N. Gulph becomes 2 lane, turn left at traffic light at top of hill into park entrance.
From Philadelphia, New Jersey and points southeast, via the Schuylkill Expressway (Interstate 76 west): Get off at Exit 327, the last exit before tollbooth. Sign says, "Exit 327 (old exit 25), Mall Blvd." Make right at first traffic light. At next light make right onto N. Gulph Rd. Go north on N. Gulph Rd for approximately 1.5 miles - just after N. Gulph becomes 2 lane, turn left at traffic light at top of hi
References and External Links
Posted by: recreation2 and last modified on Jul 05, 2007 by thoos
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