Homeschooling Day Trips: Valley Forge

Valley Forge is just a short trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were recently in Philadelphia and decided it would be nice to see Valley Forge. Valley Forge is the site where American perseverance through a winter of hardship inspires us as Americans.

Valley Forge received its name from the iron forge located along the Valley Creek in the 1740s. By the time of the Revolutionary War, the forge also included a sawmill and a gristmill. This made Valley Forge a perfect place for the American troops. Washington picked this site not only because of the supply base, but also because it was far enough away from the British that there could be no surprise attack. The Valley Forge site was also close enough to the British that Washington and his men could keep an eye on the British troops, making Valley Forge the perfect logistical location.

George Washington's troops arrived on December 19, 1777. Washington slept in a tent, just as the American soldiers. Washington did not move into the headquarters house until his men had built suitable shelter for themselves. This act gives us all insight to Washington's character and his leadership style. In the first month at Valley Forge, one thousand huts were built by the soldiers encamped there. By the time the fort was complete, it contained two thousand huts laid out in parallel lines, several miles of trenches, five earthen redoubts and a new bridge constructed over the Schuylkill River.

Visitors to Valley Forge can explore the National Park free of charge. The eighteen minute film in the Visitors center held our boys' attention and got them ready to explore all of Valley Forge. The center has several displays and artifacts which illustrate what life was like at Valley Forge, too. Our family bought a wonderful audio CD driving tour at the Welcome Center gift shop. This audio CD was just over sixteen dollars and well worth every penny. It brought Valley Forge to life! Each segment of the CD explains the historical points in the park, then directs you to park and explore at various points throughout the park while pausing the audio. Several of the stops along the way have historical interpreters dressed in the period of the Revolutionary War. Our boys enjoyed talking with these characters from history and being able to touch and explore the items they had on display.

As the tour begins, visitors can walk around and explore the original earthworks along with a few of the reconstructed redoubts. Several reconstructed huts are also open for exploration. This was one of the highlights of the tour for our boys. There are no ropes or chains keeping children from exploring every inch of the huts, which makes this tour more exciting for children of all ages.

As visitors to Valley Forge come upon Washington's Headquarters, they will find fantastic storytellers outside. Once again, these storytellers bring history to life. Sit back, relax, listen and watch history come to life before your eyes. Tour guides inside Washington's Headquarters did a wonderful job and also answered any questions the children had. Everyone was very friendly and seemed to appreciate children who were inquisitive!

Visitors to Valley Forge have many options for exploring the park. The driving audio CD tour is only one of many. Paid tours are available with tour guides, there are free walking and bike tours along the many trails located throughout the park. The park contains hiking trails, biking trails, walking trails, horse trails and paved multi-use trails. If you have access to a cell phone, Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a free cell phone tour. The National park also includes picnic areas where hungry visitors can relax and fill up before heading back to see the sites.

If you are looking for an excellent educational adventure where history will come to life, Valley Forge is an excellent choice. As we walked through the park and learned more about our American History, we grew in appreciation for the sacrifices and suffering our countrymen endured to gain our freedom.