The journey often finds us exploring many of the best historical sites in America. Several of the destinations are landmarks which Christa taught about with her fifth graders years ago. It is really exciting to actually be able to visit such spots. Naturally JR seems to becoming a history buff of sorts himself. We find ourselves frequently doing mind shifts between the Civil War and American Revolution.
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| Brick oven near log huts |
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| Six bunks per each of 2,000 huts |
Try to recall that Valley Forge is the story of the George Washington’s Continental Army’s epic winter struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger, disease and the unrelenting forces of nature With the British Army occupying Philadelphia, Washington had to find a place to encamp his troops for the winter in 1777. Though no military battle was fought here, the six months in Valley Forge, with its heavily-rationed supplies and awful winter, were among the roughest for the Continental Army during the entire American Revolutionary War. The winter was fierce in 1777-1778, and some 2,000 men died from exposure, exhaustion, and illness.
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| Knox Bridge |
No battles were fought here; no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Because no fighting occurred while encamped the Continental Army soldiers were kept busy building huts, marching on the Grand Parade area, and training.This helped Washington’s army become better prepared for fighting and emerge in mid-1778 to win significant battles in the War for Independence.
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| Dogwood Trees |
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| Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forage |
In contrast to Washington’s troops winter encampment, our springtime visit through the Valley Forge National Historic Park landscapes are lush green with colorful dogwood trees in full bloom. A two hour drive through the park allows us time to make several stops. Rows of cannons in Artillery Park; the soldiers’ log huts; and earthen fortifications around the rim of the park were silent reminders of the past.
The fully furnished stone farmhouse used as Washington’s Quarters for himself, his general officers, and aides-for- correspondence to Congress brings some interesting stories. It appears Washington resided much better off than his encampment troops during that harsh winter. Although the history books seemed to fail mentioning that point.
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| Washington's Valley Forge dining room 1778 |
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| Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forage |
At the Washington Memorial Chapel, an eastern blue jay with black barring and white on its wings and tail lingered long enough for its brilliant colors to be photographed. At another spot a pair of red cardinals were seen fluttering amongst the trees. After sighting these rare birds it isn’t hard to understand why some folks are such avid birding enthusiasts.
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| French officers arrive with troops to support the Americans fighting the British for independence |
We return to Valley Forge for a reenactment of American Revolutionary War soldiers on French Alliance Day. The event gives us a chance to see some living history. It commemorates the French troops joining as allies with the Continental Army to eventually defeat the British by 1783.
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| French troops demonstrating rifle firing at Valley Forge |
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| French officer assigning positions for firing the cannon |
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| Continental Army and French reenactors prepare for inspection |
We return to Valley Forge for a reenactment of American Revolutionary War soldiers on French Alliance Day. The event gives us a chance to see some living history. It commemorates the French troops joining as allies with the Continental Army to eventually defeat the British by 1783.
