Valley Forge Revolutionary War Self-Guided Driving Tour

Welcome to Valley Forge, where George Washington and his Continental Army faced one of their greatest ever challenges. When he arrived here in December of 1777 and hunkered down for a long, cold winter, Washington knew his army may not survive to see the spring. It stands today as a testament to the strength and resilience of the rebel forces. Note: This 10+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Valley Forge in 2-3 hours.

Next, you'll arrive at the site of the Muhlenberg Brigade, where you'll hear about "Devil Pete" Muhlenberg, a former reverend who set aside the good book to pick up a rifle during the revolution.

After that is the Maine Memorial, honoring the soldiers from Maine and emphasizing how tenuous the connections were between men from the different colonies during this time.

Then you'll arrive at the National Memorial Arch, perhaps Valley Forge's most notable monument. This impressive arch honors the entire continental army who wintered here, both those who survived and those who didn't.

The next monument, a statue of General Wayne, is dedicated to another of Washington's fiercest fighters. Wayne didn't earn the nickname "Mad Anthony" for nothing!

Next, you'll visit Henry Knox's quarters, where the self-taught artilleryman turned general served as an important voice of reason during the long winter months.

Continuing on, you'll come to the Delaware Memorial and learn about how the situation at Valley Forge began to unravel.

Next up, at the huts of George Washington's personal guards, you'll get a glimpse into a secret plot to take down the Commander in Chief.

Well, here he is - the man, the myth, the legend, George Washington himself. A veteran of the French and Indian War, Washington was appointed to the head of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress in 1775, due to his extensive military experience and the belief that having a Virginian in charge would unify the colonies more than a New Englander like John Hancock. As a commander, Washington is known more for his organizational skill and leadership qualities than his tactical abilities, which are considered decidedly average. He is known as a thoughtful and analytical leader, making him the perfect choice for a war against a powerful enemy like the British.

Your route takes you next to the New Jersey Brigade Memorial, which honors some of the most well-trained, dependable troops in the entire ragtag army.

As the months drag on, one thing has become very clear to General Washington. His army, tough as they are, are not even close to ready to fight this war. They’ve barely survived their first few months in Valley Forge, and everything is on the verge of falling apart. Something has to be done. Somehow, this ragtag group of surly volunteers has to be turned into a real army, or surviving this winter will mean nothing.

Next, you'll see the stone house used during that fateful winter by General James Mitchell Varnum, one of Washington's closest advisors. Varnum is best known for bringing the first Black soldiers into the Continental Army.

After that is a monument which honors those very soldiers: the Patriots of African Descent Monument. This memorial provides a fascinating window into an often overlooked slice of history.

An optional stop takes you to the Philander Chase Knox Estate, where the Attorney General who served under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt once lived.

Another detour takes you to the Valley Forge Train Station, which has all sorts of info not only on old-timey trains, but also on General Washington.

Fans of revolutionary history will want to detour to the Washington Memorial Chapel, which boasts a replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell!

Behind the Memorial Chapel you'll find the Washington Memorial Cemetery, where several important figures like Philander Knox have been laid to rest.

You can also visit the Mauricce Stevens House, built atop the site of another general's quarters used during the winter of 1777.

Those intrigued by abandoned places will find lots to like at the Port Kennedy Railroad Station, a defunct station that's been shuttered since the 1980s.