Southeastern Pennsylvania is a beautiful part of the state, and the countryside is amazingly picturesque. Scenic drives, lovely farms, charming towns and historic stone houses and barns make this area a wonderful place to explore.
We ventured out from Lancaster County to discover more of Pennsylvania. On our way to Valley Forge, I had suggested that we make a slight detour to visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. I had read that Hopewell Furnace was one of many “iron plantations” that produced iron goods during the early nineteenth century, and it seemed like an interesting place to visit. When we approached the park, however, we found the gate closed. How disappointing. Not only did we not get to visit the park, but I couldn’t even get my passport stamp.
Hopewell Furnace Was Closed |
Valley Forge National Historical Park was open, and there we re-learned the story that every school child is taught. We already knew that Valley Forge was the site of a winter encampment of soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Valley Forge is particularly known for the hardships that the men endured, suffering from scarce food and clothing.
The Visitor Center at Valley Forge Is Wrapped With a Copy of a Painting that Hangs in the Pennsylvania Capitol |
National Memorial Arch Commemorates the "Patience and Fidelity" of the Soldiers Who Wintered At Valley Forge |
Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge |
Reconstructed Hut at Valley Forge The Small Amount of Snow on the Ground Here Cannot Compare With the Winter of 1777-1778 |
Before we left Lancaster County this morning, we had looked for a campground near Valley Forge. We are very aware that many campgrounds are closing for the season today, or have already closed. Tim found a KOA campground in the area, and although it was scheduled to close, the owner had decided to keep it open a few more days.
I’m not sure we had ever planned to stay at a KOA, but we found the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA to be a beautiful campground. We were placed in one of the deluxe sites, with our own stone patio, table and chairs, barbeque grill and lovely view. After dealing with muddy sites the last few days following the storm, this bit of luxury was welcome indeed.
Tim Walking Kitty at Our "Luxury" Campsite |
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