Washington's Headquarters (Valley Forge) facts for kids
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Washington's Headquarters
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Valley Forge National Historical Park |
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| Nearest city | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Architect | Potts, Isaac |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Valley Forge (ID66000657) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001655 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Washington's home | 1777 |
| Added to NRHP | February 11, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated NHLDCP | January 20, 1961 |
Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge, also called the Isaac Potts House, is a very important historic house. It was where George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, stayed during the American Revolutionary War. This happened when his army was camped at Valley Forge.
The house is still standing today. It is a main part of Valley Forge National Historical Park in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The house was built around 1773. General Washington used it as his headquarters from December 1777 to June 1778. Today, the house has been restored and is open for people to visit. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972 because of its importance.
Contents
The Headquarters House
What the House Looks Like
Washington's Headquarters is located inside Valley Forge National Historical Park. It is between Route 23 and the Schuylkill River. The house is made of stone and has two and a half stories. It has a main entrance with a small roof over it. There is also another entrance on the side.
Inside, the house looks like it did in the 1700s. It has old furniture and copies of items that George Washington might have used. This helps visitors imagine what life was like for him there.
History of the House
The Potts family built this house sometime between 1757 and 1773. They were a Quaker family who ran iron factories and mills nearby. General George Washington lived in this house from late December 1777 until June 18, 1778. His wife, Martha Washington, also joined him there.
During this time, Washington used a room on the ground floor as his office. From there, he managed the army's daily business. The house became part of Valley Forge State Park in 1905. Later, in 1976, the state of Pennsylvania gave the park to the people of the United States.
Saving Washington's Headquarters
In 1878, a group called the Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge was formed. Anna Morris Holstein led this group. Their goal was to buy and protect General Washington's Headquarters and the land around it.
To raise money and awareness, a big event was held on June 19, 1878. This date marked 100 years since Washington's army left Valley Forge. Their efforts helped save this important historical site for future generations.
Learn More
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania: See other important places in Pennsylvania.
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War: Find out where else George Washington stayed.
- Valley Forge: Learn about the nine-month period when Washington's army camped here.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park: Discover more about the park that remembers this important time.
