It's interesting going into a site held so dear by Americans as a Canadian (and as someone who reenacts the war of 1812 as a British soldier). But the Valley Forge Encampment was a few decades prior to the War of 1812. In the winter of 1777 General George Washington decided to put the Continental Army into Winter Quarters.

He needed a spot that was in a sweet spot, far enough from British forces to prevent them from making raids, but close enough that he could keep an eye on them.

Valley Forge was settled on. Located 40km (25 miles) NW of the city of Philadelphia, the encampment was setup over an area of 3,500 acres. Today it's a National Historic Site and park open to the public.

And I visited it on the perfect day.

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One of many huts around the site, these are replicas of the types built to house the army. Teams of 12 would each build their own hut.

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The National Memorial Arch, built in 1910 and is dedicated to the officers and soldiers who ecamped at Valley Forge.

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Anthony Wayne: AKA Mad Anthony was a firey general during the Revolutionary War.

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The Valley Forge Rail station (built: 1911) was a passenager station until the end of the 1950s. Restored in 2009 now serves as a small musuem into George Washington's time at Valley Forge.

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George Washington's Headquarters during his time at Valley Forge, rented from the owner, Issac Potts who owned an iron forge located here, and giving the name "Valley Forge" to the area and town that grew up around his forge.

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Washington Memorial Chapel: The Chapel was completed in 1917 and is currently the home of an active parish in addition to serving as a National Memorial to Washington.

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For all my photos, you can head on over here: Fall Vacation 2012 - Day One - a set on Flickr

And if you find yourself in the area, and have at least half a day, i would highly reccomend visiting.