The focal point of Valley Forge attractions is the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force in the winter of 1777-1778.

Of all places associated with America�s War for Independence, none conveys the suffering, sacrifice and ultimate triumph of our nation more than Valley Forge. No battles were fought here; no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Nonetheless, some 2,000 soldiers died � more Americans than were killed at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown combined. Valley Forge is the story of an army�s epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger, disease and the unrelenting forces of nature. Rows of cannon in Artillery Park; the soldiers� log huts; and earthen fortifications around the rim of the park are silent reminders of the past.

Today, Valley Forge is a lush, 3,600-acre expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees. Washington�s original stone headquarters has been restored and furnished, and statues and monuments throughout the park remind visitors of our national heritage. Among them are the Memorial Arch; statues of General �Mad Anthony� Wayne and Baron Friedrich von Steuben; and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent. Costumed interpreters are posted at the Muhlenberg Brigade huts Sa & Su, 10 am � 4:30 pm June- August and at Washington�s Headquarters year-round.

The National Center for the American Revolution is a private partner working with Valley Forge National Historical Park to create the first museum relating the entire story of the American Revolution. Interactive exhibits and displays of the largest known collection of objects, artifacts, and manuscripts from the period will tell the story of America's war for independence in a new facility located within Valley Forge. Scheduled to open in 2006.

Washington Memorial Chapel commemorates George Washington�s life and the nation�s history with rich, decorative elements, including statues, carvings and soaring stained glass windows. The National Patriots Bell Tower features Justice Bell, cast to support women�s suffrage. Washington National Carillon recitals follow the 11:15 am Sunday service. Rt 23, Valley Forge National Historical Park. 610.783.0120. Daily 10am-4pm. Free. www.libertynet.org/chapel.

Tucked away in the woods behind the chapel, the Chapel Cabin Shop carries handcrafted items, souvenirs, homemade jams, jellies, candies, gifts and snacks. Proceeds from the nonprofit shop benefit maintenance of the Chapel. Summer: M-F, 10am-4pm; Sa, 10am-5pm; Su, 11am-4pm. Winter: M-Sa, 10am-5pm; Su, noon-5pm. 610.783.0576 www.cabinshop.com

Recreational facilities in the park include designated picnic areas, a six-mile multi-use trail, ten miles of horse trails and a Valley Forge-to-Philadelphia bike path. www.nps.gov/vafo

To take a self-guided tour, pick up a free map in the Welcome Center and Encampment Store. During some holiday weekends and the summer months, take a mini-bus tour with a costumed guide. Call ahead for information and ticket reservations: 610-783-7508.

The Tourist Information Desk, located in the Welcome Center, can help you with hotel and restaurant reservations, directions, and other tourist information for the region. 610.768.0281. A service of the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd.

Valley Forge National Historical Park Rt 23 & N. Gulph Rd. Valley Forge. 610-783-1077. Open daily, 9 am-5 pm.

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Media Contact: Linda Riley +1 610-834-7990 riley@valleyforge.org