Continental Army Soldiers March Dec. 19 into Valley Forge

KING OF PRUSSIA PA – The 246th anniversary of the Continental Army arrival in Valley Forge will be commemorated Dec. 19 (2023; Tuesday) from 6-8 p.m. at three areas of Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr.

Known as The March-In, the evening event will be filled with family-friendly programs, demonstrations, re-enactors, and hands-on activities, park officials report. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Start at the visitor’s center

For many visitors, The March-In observance will begin at the historical park’s visitor’s center (at top). Its theater will offer a presentation that tells the story of the army’s arrival and its trials during the winter of 1777-’78. It also provides a preview of the night’s programs.

The center houses the army’s muster roll. The roll represents a who’s who of soldiers’ names, ranks, enlistment dates, and notes on their assignments, activities, and conditions.

Just behind the center, visitors can join the staff from the Museum of the American Revolution for a mini grand parade. They can explore a hand-sewn, full-scale replica of General George Washington’s sleeping marquee tent, his mobile headquarters while on campaign. Also scheduled to be on hand are costumed living history interpreters, portraying people who would have been there.

Along the park’s paved trail

Visitors also will:

• Learn how soldiers built temporary shelters, like wedge tents and brush huts, because the troops during December 1777 needed shelter quickly. Feel ambitious? Try your hand at constructing a shelter using various materials;
• Find out what kinds of foods soldiers were eating, and how much, when they marched in to camp at Valley Forge;
• See the tools and building techniques used by soldiers at Valley Forge to make more durable structures like log huts; and
• Meet sentries who stood guard and controlled access to the Continental Army winter encampment.

Touring Muhlenberg’s Brigade

Visitors, beware! In approaching log huts at Muhlenberg’s Brigade, uniformed guards will demand the correct countersign – a password- to permit entry. Hint: the night’s countersign is “Cambridge.”

• Once inside, keep warm and learn about soldier life in the huts. Try on colonial clothing, play common games from the 18th century, and speak with Continental Army soldiers. Meet Edward “Ned” Hector, a Black Revolutionary War hero, as portrayed by re-enactor Noah Lewis;
• Experience the daily life of enlisted men, officers, and women attached to the army. Learn what they wore, what they ate, how they endured the winter encampment at Valley Forge, and see them perform drill and guard duty; and
• See different examples of food produced for the Continental Army, as well as markets that existed near the camp. Soldiers and civilians could buy local produce and other items there.

Photo by Travels With The Post