In the harsh winter of 1777–1778, General George Washington led 12,000 Continental soldiers into a six-month encampment at Valley Forge. There, a unified and disciplined army was forged—laying the foundation for America’s independence. Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Valley Forge Park Alliance honor the sacrifices of soldiers, Indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, women, and children who endured unimaginable hardship for liberty.

In 1877, Civil War nurse Anna Holstein and fellow citizens began preserving Valley Forge, focusing on Washington’s Headquarters. Their efforts led to the park’s designation as Pennsylvania’s first state park in 1893. On July 4, 1976, Valley Forge became a national park, and the Friends of Valley Forge—now the Valley Forge Park Alliance—was born to serve as its nonprofit partner and citizen advocate.