Today we went for an outing at Valley Forge Park. It's freezing so we mostly stayed in the car. There is a driving path called the Encampment Tour and you can tour (in your car) through the park and stop and get out at some of the sites if you want to. I love this park. It's beautiful, for one, but I easily get caught up in the history that makes it so special. During December of 1777 through June 1778 George Washington's Continental Army camped here for rest and training after enduring a couple significant defeats by the British at both Brandywine (PA) and Germantown (PA). They constructed over 2000 log huts to "camp" in through the winter and suffered as they endured the harsh winter weather with very little supplies.
The British were in Philadelphia and Valley Forge was close enough to keep the British from gaining the interior of Pennsylvania but far enough away to prevent surprise attacks. Washington's army eventually marched out of Valley Forge in June of 1778 to pursue the British who were heading to New York. The war went on for 5 more years, but Valley Forge became a significant turning point in the life of the Continental Army. No significant battles were won or even fought here, but it has become one of the most renowned aspects of the American Revolution. The hardships the ordinary soldier endured while living in makeshift log huts has become legendary.
It's a pretty sweet park. It's worth the trip out here to the east coast (hint, hint).
The British were in Philadelphia and Valley Forge was close enough to keep the British from gaining the interior of Pennsylvania but far enough away to prevent surprise attacks. Washington's army eventually marched out of Valley Forge in June of 1778 to pursue the British who were heading to New York. The war went on for 5 more years, but Valley Forge became a significant turning point in the life of the Continental Army. No significant battles were won or even fought here, but it has become one of the most renowned aspects of the American Revolution. The hardships the ordinary soldier endured while living in makeshift log huts has become legendary.
It's a pretty sweet park. It's worth the trip out here to the east coast (hint, hint).
5 comments:
You are blessed to live over there. I have always dreamed of living over in the North East. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to see the beauty in person.....until then keep posting pics....LOL
It sure is worth the trip out there....that park looks really awesome and your mini history lesson was better than any I ever had in school. And again, your photography is spectacular.....you take amazingly wonderful pictures.....way to start off 2009!!!!!
The Wagner boys look like full-fledged soldiers themselves. :) Want to meet for breakfast again next week?
ooooo...i want to come and visit. :)
That park does look interesting. I am sure that we will be over to visit sometime in the future, my wife will make sure of that. My only question is where is the fishing hole. The army had to eat so fishing sounds like a good way to provide food.
Uncle Bubba
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