Hike Hallowed Ground
After learning about George Washington and his troops’ six-month stay at Valley Forge, your visit will seem like a walk in the park. On December 19, 1777, the general marched his weary, cold and ill-equipped men into camp there for the winter. Despite experiencing heavy fatalities due to starvation, disease and exposure, the American Continental Army’s spirit was revived, and the men defeated the British army at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey.
General George Washington’s headquarters during the encampment at Valley Forge. The restored building is open to the public for tours. Photo courtesy of Valley Forge National Park.
Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates Washington and his troops’ commitment to the fight for freedom, experiencing victory in the face of adversity. Guests should start at the Visitor Center where they can pick up a park map and browse the museum where exhibits contain Revolutionary War artifacts and fossils from Port Kennedy Bone Cave. Every hour, an 18-minute film on the park’s historical significance is shown. Tour General Washington’s and General Varnum’s quarters, watch a live interpretation by rangers in period dress portraying soldiers and camp followers, step inside a hut to experience the common life of a Revolutionary War soldier and more. “Valley Forge is not only a historical site, it’s also a place for recreation,” says park ranger Adam Messinger. “It’s hiking, biking and the nation’s history all wrapped into one.” Valley Forge National Historical Park contains more than 28 miles of authorized trail that are popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Picnicking, bird watching and cross-country skiing are other popular activities.
Go to the Great Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont purchased the land where Longwood Gardens now sits from the Pierces, a Quaker family who planted an arboretum there in 1798, to prevent the trees from being sold for lumber. The du Pont family had a long tradition of gardening, and Pierre turned out to be one of its greatest gardeners. He made the property his private estate and added extensively to it, including creating a 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, enlarging the original Pierce farmhouse and installing fountains that shoot as high as 130 feet and illuminate in a multitude of colors. Today, the 1,100-acre gardens boast 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens known as the conservatory. Built in 1919, the conservatory shelters 20 indoor gardens and 10,000 types of plants. Reserve about an hour and a half for a leisurely stroll through the display areas. The outdoor gardens, overflowing with exuberant flowers and sparkling fountains, also takes about an hour and a half to enjoy. You can also visit Du Pont’s former home, which now contains the Longwood Heritage Exhibit, a comprehensive collection of historic photos, artifacts, home movies and videos that tell the story of land and its former owners. “Our guests appreciate the opportunity to relax and step away from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives,” says Patricia Evans, communications manager for the gardens. “At Longwood, you can disconnect from the real world and reconnect with the natural world. In addition to beautiful gardens, Longwood’s 1,100 acres includes meadows, woodlands, historic trees, more fountains than any other garden in the United States and a 4-acre conservatory.”
