Valley Forge, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
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Warwick Furnace Farms
George Washington's headquarters in Valley Forge
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 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Chester |
| Township | Schuylkill |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
19481, 19482, 19484, 19493–19496
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| Area code(s) | 610 and 484 |
The Village of Valley Forge is a small community that isn't officially a town or city. It's located in Pennsylvania, right next to the Valley Forge National Historical Park. You can find it where two waterways meet: Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River.
Most of the village is in Schuylkill Township in Chester County. Long ago, it even stretched across Valley Creek into Montgomery County.
Sometimes, people use the name "Valley Forge" to talk about the whole area around the park. This can be a bit confusing! Places like King of Prussia, Trooper, and Oaks might use the name, even though they are separate communities. There's also a part of the historic village from the American Revolution that has been rebuilt near the park.
A Glimpse into Valley Forge's Past
The Original Forge
In 1751, a special factory called a "forge" was built here. It was used to turn pig iron (a type of raw iron) into stronger bar iron. This forge was first known as Mount Joy forge. But soon, everyone started calling it Valley Forge. The raw iron used at Valley Forge came from a place called Warwick Furnace.
Valley Forge During the Revolution
A very important event happened here during the American Revolutionary War. In September 1777, the British Army burned down the forge.
Later that year, in December, George Washington and his soldiers, the Continental Army, set up their winter camp. They camped on the Montgomery County side of Valley Creek, right across from the burned forge. General Washington made his headquarters in the sturdy stone house of Isaac Potts.
After the Revolutionary War ended, a new forge was built on the other side of Valley Creek. However, by 1816, this new forge was also in ruins.
