Washington's Headquarters - Valley Forge

The headquarters house, overlooking the confluence of the Schuylkill River and Valley Creek, was the hub of military activity. It was from here that General Washington, with the assistance of his staff, conducted the daily routine of the army. Often there were more than twenty officers and aides present to assist the Commander-In-Chief with his duties.

This site was a very busy place for six months. Express riders from Congress, civilians requesting passes, guards posted around the house, couriers rushing out with new orders, foreign officers seeking employment, all attempting to gain audience with a very busy General Washington.

You must purchase a ticket to look through the interior of the house, but the pictures below will give you some idea of what you will be able to see. It is a must see stop on your tour.

Near the house are the guard huts. This is where Washington's personal guard stayed when not on duty. At the beginning of the encampment, 50 guards protected the General. To be in the 'Life Guard' as the troops called it, one had to be a property owning, native born Virginian. It was assumed such men would be loyal to Washington.

After Baron Freidrich von Steuben arrived in February 1778, and additional 100 men from various State regiments were added to the guard. Steuben personally trained them at marching, musket loading, and charging with bayonet. Under his skilled instructions, the 'Life Guard' became a model for drilling the entire army.