Valley Forge National Historical Park encompasses much of the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington. It is often called the “most celebrated encampment.” Adam Gresek, Director of Visitor and Community Engagement at the historical camp explained why this camp was so impactful.

“So, Valley Forge was the winter encampment of 1777 to 1778. Lasted for six months from December 19th of 77 to June 19th of 78. And actually, it was one of eight encampments throughout the winter. But it's probably the most memorable and the most legendary and which is the big reason for that is probably it was the most transformative encampment of the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army marches in as one army and marches out as almost as a completely different army in many ways.”

The Valley Forge Historical Park is currently preparing for a huge event on December 14.

“It commemorates the arrival of George Washington's army to Valley Forge. It's a nighttime event. You can see the soldiers, you know, wrapped up in four winters, starting to set up their shelters and everything. And you can learn about what it was like for the army when they arrived.”

Listen to the podcast to hear more about the people of the encampment and their impact for generations to come.