In the Bleak Midwinter

Valley Forge National Historical Park

December

What national park is synonymous with the bleak
midwinter?

The name of this national park is virtually synonymous with winter -- and a harsh winter at that. Originally established as Pennsylvania's first state park in 1893, it became a national park in our bicentennial year of 1976.

Though no battle (against the Brits) was fought here, the Continental Army, led by George Washington, spent the third winter of the Revolutionary War here in a different sort of battle -- against the elements.

Did you know:

• Approximately 12,000 troops encamped here during that fateful winter of 1777-1778.
• The park covers 3,500 acres and is visited by more than 1.2 million people each year.