National Memorial Arch facts for kids

The United States National Memorial Arch is a special monument located in Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. It was built to celebrate General George Washington and his Continental Army arriving at Valley Forge. This was a military camp where the American army spent a very tough winter in 1777–78 during the American Revolutionary War. Many soldiers faced starvation, sickness, and cold, and sadly, over 2,500 died that winter. The arch stands in Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County.

Why Was the Arch Built?

The idea for the Memorial Arch came about when many monuments were being planned and built in the United States. This was around 50 years after the Civil War. Many famous monuments, like those on the National Mall, were built during this time. The Arch looks similar to some of these other important structures.

The Memorial Arch honors "the officers and private soldiers of the Continental Army" who were at Valley Forge from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. You can find the Arch at the top of a hill inside Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Who Designed the Arch?

The United States National Memorial Arch was designed by a talented architect named Paul Philippe Cret. He wanted the Arch to look like a simpler version of the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome. That Roman arch celebrated a victory by Emperor Titus long ago. In ancient times, triumphal arches were built to honor great generals and emperors. Our Memorial Arch does the same thing, but it honors George Washington and his brave army. The Arch stands about 60 feet tall, which is like a six-story building!

How the Arch Was Funded

In 1907, the Valley Forge Park Commission first planned to build two arches. One was for Washington, and another for General von Steuben. Both were meant to be grand entrances to the park and honor the generals and their troops.

In 1908, a Congressman named Irving P. Wanger asked Congress for money to build these arches. A bill was approved in 1910 for one arch, costing $100,000. Money was given in 1911, and construction started in 1914.

The Arch was officially dedicated to George Washington and his troops on June 19, 1917. At that time, people in the U.S. felt very patriotic because of World War I. This made the dedication ceremony even more special. Important people, including members of Congress, came to Valley Forge for the event. The Governor of Pennsylvania, Martin Brumbaugh, spoke about the spirit of Valley Forge and how important it was during difficult times.

Keeping the Arch Strong

Years later, in 1996, a big project began to make sure the Arch was still in good condition. The Freemasons of Pennsylvania led this effort. They spent $1.5 million and added nine tons of steel to make the monument strong and safe. The restoration finished in 1997.

Today, Valley Forge Historical Park welcomes about 1 million visitors each year. About 300,000 of them come to see the National Memorial Arch. The Valley Forge National Historical Park takes care of the Arch, as part of the National Park Service.

What Do the Inscriptions Say?

The National Memorial Arch has many important words carved into it. On the front of the Arch, you can read a quote from a letter George Washington wrote while he was at Valley Forge. It talks about his soldiers:

Naked and starving as they are

We cannot enough admire

The incomparable Patience and Fidelity

of the Soldiery

Inside the Arch, there's another quote from a speech by Henry Armitt Brown, an American writer. He gave this speech at the 100-year anniversary of Valley Forge. It talks about how America grew strong from the struggles at Valley Forge.

On the back of the monument, you can find the last names of the American generals who fought during the Revolutionary War.

Commander in Chief

George Washington

Major Generals

De Kalb        Mifflin

Greene        Steuben

Lafayette     Stirling

Lee              Sullivan

Brigadier Generals

Armstrong      Patterson

Duportail       Poor

Glover            Scott

Huntington     Smallwood

Knox              Varnum

Learned         Wayne

McIntosh         Weedon

Maxwell         Woodford

Muhlenberg   Pulaski

Images for kids

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  National Memorial Arch inscription:

• ''Naked and starving as they are
• We cannot enough admire
• The incomparable Patience and Fidelity
• Of the Soldiery''
• –George Washington