Valley Forge Revolutionary War Self-Guided Driving Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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: The tour is over 10 miles long, with more than 30+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

   10 min

2. 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.

   5 min

3. 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.

   5 min

4. 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.

   5 min

5. 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!

   5 min

6. 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.

   5 min

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

   5 min

8. 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.

   5 min

9. 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.

   5 min

10. 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.

    5 min

11. 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.

    5 min

12. 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.

    5 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 53 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Philadelphia

• Its from-price is 75% below the median of the 266 experiences we list in Philadelphia.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 53 of 266.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's largest city and the birthplace of American independence, with Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, museums and markets.

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn and was the capital of the United States for a decade in the 1790s. In Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the Constitution drafted in 1787, is a World Heritage site, and the Liberty Bell is displayed nearby. Elfreth's Alley, a lane of small 18th-century houses, is among the oldest residential streets in the country.

Top-ranked sights in Philadelphia: Liberty Bell Center, Carpenters' Hall , President's House.

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