Valley Creek (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valley Creek |
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 Location of Valley Creek's Mouth
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Region | Chester County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Schuylkill River Valley Forge 59 ft (18 m) 40°06′09″N 75°27′42.4″W / 40.10250°N 75.461778°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 23.4 sq mi (61 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Valley Creek is a stream about 10.8 miles (17.4 kilometers) long. It flows into the Schuylkill River in eastern Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA. This creek runs through a beautiful area called the Great Valley.
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History of Valley Creek
Valley Creek played an important role in the history of the United States. Many years ago, the creek helped power early industries.
Early Industries and Valley Forge
Around the year 1740, a special workshop called a forge was built along Valley Creek. This forge was located close to where the creek meets the Schuylkill River. This area soon became known as Valley Forge. The water from Valley Creek was used to power the machinery at the forge. Later, the creek also powered a saw mill and a grist mill in the same area.
Valley Creek During the Revolutionary War
In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the British Army destroyed the forge and mills along Valley Creek. A few months later, in December 1777, George Washington chose Valley Forge as the winter home for his army, the Continental Army.
Why Valley Forge Was Chosen
Washington picked Valley Forge partly because Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River created natural barriers. These rivers helped protect the back of the army's camp. Washington's own headquarters during this time was in a farmhouse very close to where the two rivers met. The American soldiers stayed at Valley Forge through the harsh winter and left in the spring of 1778. Today, this historic site is preserved as the Valley Forge National Historical Park.
