WASHINGTON, 2 April 2005 — As Iraq, Lebanon, and the Palestinians actively embrace various forms of representative government, it is useful to remember how the United States made its painful transition from subservience to a colonial oppressor to popular rule.
During the American Revolution and the American Civil War, the United States experienced two separate and pivotal battles that marked the shedding of America’s colonial domination and a fundamental reformulation of the relationship between the federal government and its union of states.
In the 1770s, George Washington, America’s most recognized “founding father,” was viewed as either a patriot or traitor. If the rebellion he and his fellow conspirators helped to start were to fail, they were surely destined for a hangman’s noose.
Today, knowing the outcome of the American Revolution, it is easy to sympathize with Washington and his “rebels.” However, at the time of the American Revolution, the choice faced by the colonists was difficult. In fact, many people living in the original 13 colonies were content to remain under British rule.
Events at Valley Forge, a farm community 30 miles west of Philadelphia, marked a milestone in the Revolutionary War because this is a place where the morale of American revolutionary forces — known as the Continental Army — hit bottom and where many American soldiers died of disease and cold. But Washington’s insurgent army persevered and transformed themselves into a functional, disciplined military force that — though significantly outnumbered by British invaders — eventually prevailed over the enemy.
Gettysburg, a small town in mid-Pennsylvania, is equally significant in American history because it was the setting for a pivotal Civil War battle that marked the turning point in an devastating internal conflict whose outcome could have led to the dissolution of the union of the Untied States of America.
The state of Pennsylvania is packed with history: Philadelphia, where the nation was born; Valley Forge, where the nation secured its freedom; and Gettysburg, where the Union came perilously close to self-destruction.
Valley Forge: Birthplace of American National Defense
Although many people know Valley Forge was a place where America’s Continental Army experienced miserable cold and diminished morale, few understand it was where American volunteers were transformed into an accomplished assemblage of professional soldiers who ultimately withstood and defeated the British colonists.
A short history lesson is helpful to better understand and appreciate how the encampment of Continental Army forces at Valley Forge fits into the history of the American Revolution (1775-1783).
In 1777 the British launched an all-out campaign to capture Philadelphia, capital of the anti-colonial forces. The proposed military operation required the British commander, Sir William Howe, to deploy nearly 17,000 of British troops northward from the Chesapeake Bay.
In order to counter the British incursion, George Washington marched his 12,000-man army south from New Jersey. At this point in the war, Washington’s track record as a commander was not remarkable. In fact, he had already lost two key battles to the British.
According to military traditions of the day, armies retired from battle during the winter, usually withdrawing to fixed camps. In the winter of 1777, the camp used by the ever diminishing and disheartened Continental Army was at Valley Forge.
Freezing and Losing Faith in the Cause of Liberty
The winter of 1777 was one of the coldest in decades. Short of proper uniforms, Washington’s army was largely dressed in rags. To protect them throughout the long winter, 2,000 huts were laid out in parallel lines along planned military avenues. The troops also constructed miles of trenches, forts, and state-of-the-art bridges over the Schuylkill River. Much of the encampment remains at Valley Forge today.
For most of Washington’s men, shortages of every commodity caused severe hardship. They ate whatever they could scavenge from the countryside. Yet, in spite of the scarcity of provisions, most of the 1,400 soldiers who died that winter at Valley Force succumbed to hypothermia and disease, not famine.
The remarkable transformation of Washington’s dispirited ragtag army into a professional force was largely the product of the leadership of Friedrich Wilhelm Barn von Steuben, a charismatic former Prussian army officer whose intense training programs and innovative battle tactics instilled confidence in the Continental Army,
The Marquis de Lafayette, a French mercenary, also worked tirelessly with the American troops at Valley Forge. France’s alliance with the rebel army — which had been negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, America’s ambassador in Paris — helped to ensure victory over the British.
On May 6, 1778, France formally recognized the United States as a sovereign power. Without French support, Washington’s army would have likely faced defeat due to lack of supplies and dwindling support from Congress. The expected arrival of the French greatly altered British war plans to invade Philadelphia and triggered their retreat in June. By summer, Washington was able to claim that the war had turned in favor of troops; victory was soon at hand.
Planning Your Visit to Valley Forge
In order to fully experience the beautiful rolling landscape of the 3,600-acre of Valley Forge National Park, it is best to start at the official Visitor’s Center to view a complimentary movie that gives a stirring synopsis of the Revolutionary War and the history of Valley Forge. From there, one can drive through the park, stopping at sites recommended in a brochure that is also available free-of-charge at the Visitor’s Center. In 2006, a new museum at the Valley Forge National Historical Park will offer a complete history of the American Revolution and its legacy.
Gettysburg: Changing the Course of the American Civil War
The Civil War battle at Gettysburg is a major milestone in history: it is the greatest battle ever fought on American soil, and remains one of the most decisive battles in world history. After the battle at Gettysburg, the breakaway forces of the southern United States — the Confederacy — were never able to recover, and eventually surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia.
There are several reasons why Gettysburg National Military Park is worth visiting. It is one of the largest battlefield shrines in America, with over 1,000 monuments and cannon situated among 40 miles of scenic avenues. The rolling hills of Gettysburg Park also offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of a battle that changed the future of the American nation.
The neighboring town of Gettysburg has benefited from being the focal point of Civil War history: it is home to over 35 museums that educate and give context to a conflict that has been described as a “most frightful war.” The beautiful town of Gettysburg remains largely unchanged from the 19th Century and has successfully avoided becoming a tacky tourist trap.
A Sleepy Town’s Date With Destiny
Back in 1863, Gettysburg was a typical northern farm town consisting of English, German, Irish, and African-Americans of various religious, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Prior to the historic battle, Gettysburg’s citizens had already endured one Confederate occupation and other physical hardships of urban warfare — a commonplace condition for many Southerners, but an exceptional situation for communities north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
In the aftermath of battle, the citizens of Gettysburg nursed the wounded soldiers, both from the North and South; buried the dead, and took steps to preserve the battleground in order to honor the soldiers who had fought there.
The Battle of Gettysburg: That Frightful War
In June 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee took his 75,000-man Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania. This move, he reasoned, would take pressure off the Confederate capital in Richmond, Virginia, and increase the threat to the Union capital of Washington, DC. Lee also hoped the northern thrust into Pennsylvania would convince British and French observers traveling with his rebel forces to finally recommend that Britain and France officially give their support to the Confederacy.
A total of 172,000 men fought during the three days of battle at Gettysburg: 97,000 were Union forces and 75,000 were Confederates. When the smoke cleared, 51,000 men lay killed, wounded, or missing in action. Additionally, more than 50,000 horses were killed and 569 tons of ammunition was expended.
The battle of Gettysburg is considered by many military scholars to be one of the 16 most decisive battles fought in the history of mankind. During the four bloody years of the Civil War, Gettysburg was to prove that the Union was, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, “indivisible unto itself.”
When in Gettysburg
There are plenty of places to see in Gettysburg but don’t miss the Downtown Historic Tour, which will literally walk you through history. Over 100 buildings have been restored and maintained as they were over 100 years ago. Buy the general access ticket, which enables you to enter almost all the museums, and save significantly.
Also, a self-guided tour is well worth the drive and easy to follow. The 2-hour drive covers 36 scenic miles that encapsulate the beautiful countryside of this area, including many of the ample and beautiful apple orchards throughout the countryside. The fruit growers of Adams County harvest over five million bushels annually, and produce too many varieties to mention here.
Recommended Sites to Visit in Gettysburg:
• Gettysburg Tours. Located at the Gettysburg Tour Center on 778 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg Tours offers a 2-hour excursion of the battlefield and a comprehensive synopsis of the battle.
• Herr Tavern and Publick House. The best meal in Gettysburg can had be at the Herr Tavern and Publick House, established in 1815 and located on Route 30 West. It overlooks the entire battlefield, and is 1-1/2 miles from the town square. We were not prepared for the gourmet meal awaiting us. The food was, we quickly decided, one of the best meals we’ve enjoyed at a restaurant in ages. The “Publick House” also offers Bed and Breakfast facilities with sixteen rooms, all decorated with period antiques from the Civil War era.
• Gettysburg Heritage Sites Walking Tour. Accompanied with a free brochure, this tour is perfect for the dedicated novice historians.
• The Jennie Wade House. Jennie Wade was the only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. The 20 year-old Jennie was killed while baking bread for Union soldiers. Jennie’s house has been maintained the way it was more than 100 years ago, and a tour of the house - with expressive narrators and guides - is a fascinating addition to anyone’s tour of the town.
• Hall of Presidents. Located just outside the main entrance of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the Hall of Presidents is the world’s only complete wax collection of American Presidents and their wives. The quirky collection - some of the president’s wives would be horrified to see how they are portrayed under the local artist’s imaginative hand - does offer insights about each president and their contribution to the country while they served in the White House.
A separate exhibit devoted to President Dwight Eisenhower, who retired in Gettysburg, is also on view at the Hall of Presidents. The Eisenhower Exhibit offers an interesting collection of personal photos, and artifacts from his family.
• Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Gettysburg CVB offers free brochures and maps for the several self-guided tours.
Downtown Historic Tour. This tour will literally walk you through history. Over 100 buildings have been restored and maintained as they were over 100 years ago. Buy the general access ticket, which enables you to enter almost all the museums, and save significantly.
Scenic Valley Tour. This self-guided is well worth the drive and easy to follow. The 2-hour drive covers 36 scenic miles that encapsulate the beautiful countryside of this area, including many of the ample and beautiful apple orchards throughout the countryside. The fruit growers of Adams County harvest over five million bushels annually, and produce too many varieties to mention here.
The Gettysburg CVB offers a list, with directions, to the county’s 17 apples groves and their locations. The National Apple Museum is located seven miles north of Gettysburg on Rt. 394.
Don’t miss the Sachs Bridge, which was built in 1852 and remains one of the area’s finest examples of a “Town-Lattice Truss”-constructed covered bridge.
We also enjoyed the Historic Round Barn, built in 1914, located just eight miles west of Gettysburg and 1/2 mile off Route 30. It is one of the few surviving round barns in the US. The farmer who consulted this architectural treasure built it with the aid of only a saw, an axe, and a square.
The Round Barn is now used as a year round Farmer’s Market. This makes it easy to check out the barn while shopping for seasonal fruits, vegetables, jams, butters, homemade breads, cookies, crafts, and gift baskets. For information about the Round Barn, log onto www.roundbarngettysburg.com.
There are many gorgeous Bed and Breakfast Inns in Gettysburg that are well worth considering when you choose a place to stay. Visitors are recommended to plan a 2- to 3-day visit. For those who prefer more conventional lodging, we recommend the Hampton Inn, which offers spacious rooms and a generous breakfast buffet.
For More Information, Visit:
• Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.gettsburgcvb.org
•Gettysburg National Military Park, www.nps.gov/gett
• Valley Forge Visitors Bureau, www.valleyforge.org
• Valley Forge National Military Park, www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/
• Calendar of Events in Gettysburg, www.gettsburgcvg.org/HTLM/Calendar/Calendar.php
• Pennsylvania Tourism, www.visitpa.com
• Eisenhower National Historic Site, www.nps.gov/eise/
