Discover the Top 9 Entertaining and Unexpected Fun Facts About Valley Forge!

1. Washington's Birthday Serenade

Even General Washington couldn't resist a birthday surprise, braving the icy winds of Valley Forge just to groove to some impromptu Revolutionary-era beats: On February 22, 1778, the musicians of Proctor's Artillery serenaded Washington for his birthday – without orders – in the freezing cold, marking the first public recognition of his big day, and earning a gift of one pound ten shillings from the grateful general.
Source => mountvernon.org

2. Revolutionary Cleanliness

While General Washington's troops at Valley Forge couldn't afford "Johnny-on-the-spot" latrines or scented candles to freshen the air, the strict hygiene measures they adopted would've made Marie Kondo proud: Throughout the encampment, soldiers were told to maintain cleanliness, burn waste and straw, use designated latrines, disinfect their water with whiskey and vinegar, and air out their cabins, resulting in medical services such as camp hospital huts, quarantines, and even aid from camp followers as nurses - but, sadly, nearly 2,000 of them still succumbed to illnesses like typhus and dysentery.
Source => nps.gov

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=> Fun Facts about Us-History

3. Burning Shoes for Warmth

If the shoe's on fire, wear it: During the brutal winter at Valley Forge, Continental soldiers were so desperate for warmth that they'd burn their shoes and leggings, causing George Washington to request 30,000 pairs of shoes from Congress to combat frostbitten feet.
Source => potus-geeks.livejournal.com

4. DIY Log Cabins

You know, if Bob Vila and Martha Stewart had a Colonial-era baby, it would have certainly felt at home during that six-month DIY project in Pennsylvania! Alas, their modern-day savvy wasn't around to help: At Valley Forge, soldiers had to build their own log cabins to survive a harsh winter, lacking proper supplies and clothing. However, this difficult experience molded the Continental Army into a more confident and professional fighting force come springtime.
Source => armyheritage.org

5. Winter Quarters Entertainment

While George Washington's soldiers weren't turning Valley Forge into an 18th-century Broadway production, they sure knew how to kick up their frostbitten heels and keep their spirits high: The troops spent their time in winter quarters entertaining themselves with patriotic songs, games, and theatrical performances, strengthening their camaraderie and transforming into a united fighting force.
Source => npshistory.com

6. Grooming for Patriotism

When George Washington said cleanliness is next to godliness, he wasn't just trying to motivate his mom to do laundry: During the winter at Valley Forge, Washington issued strict grooming guidelines for the American soldiers to keep their hair short and be clean-shaven, helping prevent frostbite, illness, and the spread of lice, all while sporting dark blues and browns-coded regimental uniforms.
Source => nps.gov

7. Home Makeover Competition

Who knew the revolutionary version of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition would be a matter of patriotic pride and twelve-dollar finesse? As it turns out: At Valley Forge in 1777-1778, General Washington proposed a twelve-dollar prize for the group in each regiment that completed their log hut first, resulting in crudely crafted shelters and disastrous dwelling conditions that ultimately led to the deaths of roughly three thousand men from camp-derived diseases.
Source => raisinggiftedparents.com

8. Furry Friends at Valley Forge

Valley Forge: where George Washington once hiked with his troops, now you can trek with your terrier, paddle with your poodle, or canoe with your corgi! Seriously though: Valley Forge National Historical Park offers over 35 miles of hiking trails, picturesque meadows, and woodlands, allowing you to enjoy nature with your furry companions; you can also fish, canoe, or kayak in Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River.
Source => valleyforge.org

9. '78 Mile Challenge

Valley Forge, where the winter of '77-'78 saw George Washington's army battling the harsh weather, bad hair days, and grumbling bellies all at the same time: The park is now sprawled over 3,500 acres and includes monuments, meadows, and woodlands, while offering weekend trolley tours and the chance to partake in the '78 Mile Challenge from April to October 2023 – just add a dollop of determination, a splash of walking, running, biking, or paddling and voila! Earn yourself a fun prize courtesy of our forefathers' frigid frolics.
Source => nps.gov