Curious Parents Places to Go

Pennsylvania and New Jersey contain a wealth of historic battlefields. George Washington crossed an icy Delaware on Christmas morning 1776, where he routed the sleeping Hessian troops at Trenton. During the frigid winter of 1777-78 the Revolutionary War raged throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, forcing American soldiers to spend a miserable season at Valley Forge until spring brought relief, supplies, and a plentiful stream of shad up the Delaware. These historic battle sites and more are preserved so your family may interact firsthand with the rich history of our area.

Valley Forge National Park: Valley Forge is one of the most familiar places associated with the American Revolution. Washington’s army of 12,000 men marched into the area tired, cold, inadequately equipped, and poorly clothed. Living in crowded, damp quarters 2,000 men died that winter. Today, the National Park Service provides programs, tours, and activities that help bring the winter encampment of 1777-78 alive. The visitor center contains artifacts designed to show what life was like, including the “sleeping marquee” (tent) used by George Washington.

 Begin with the audio-visual program and exhibits. Then, guided by maps, drive through the park on a ten-mile tour, stopping to see historic sites, including fifty reconstructed huts. There are statues honoring heroes of the Revolution and the Isaac Potts House, which was Washington’s Headquarters. On weekends, the sites are manned by costumed interpreters. Visitors may also purchase tickets for a bus that stops at each site. 

Throughout the year, Valley Forge presents family events, including military reenactments, Ranger-led programs, and other activities. There are charges for some exhibits, although entry to the park is free. www.nps.gov/vafo. Valley Forge National Historical Park, P O Box 953, Valley Forge, PA 19482, (610) 783-1077

Washington’s Crossing Park: One of the crucial events of the American Revolution occurred on December 25, 1776. The Continental Army seemed beaten by hunger and cold. Yet, General Washington led his army to the site known as Washington Crossing State Park and at four a.m. they crossed the icy waters of the Delaware to Trenton where they defeated the mercenary Hessian troops in a surprise attack. Today, the Swan collection maintains over 700 historic military artifacts from 1745 through 1789. Visit Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call (609) 737-9303.

Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. Many birds spend winter in the park, creating a perfect location for observation. Outdoor nature education programs are offered year round, Wednesday through Sunday. www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560-1517 (609) 737-0623.

Princeton Battlefield Park: On January 3, 1777, General Washington inspired his weary troops to lead America once more to victory. The Princeton Battlefield State Park stands on the site of that historic junction. It covers 85 acres and is home to the famous Mercer Oak, which stands where General Hugh Mercer was wounded during battle. He died nine days later in the nearby Clarke House, now a war museum with exhibits and period furniture. At the northern edge of the park is the gravesite of 21 British soldiers and 15 Americans killed in the battle. It is marked by a stone patio and is not far from a grand Ionic colonnade.

Two additional monuments to the battle are located outside the park and a series of 12 stone obelisks mark Washington’s route from Trenton to Princeton. While you’re there, spend the day in charming and historic Princeton. www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/princeton.html, 500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-921-0074

Trenton Old Barracks Museum: Get inducted into the Continental Army and learn to shoot a musket and to march. Will you be qualified to load your musket properly? Can you march? Find some amazing surprises in the mock dental and physical exam given to the soldiers. This is a great site for youngsters to absorb the vicissitudes of a Revolutionary soldier's life. The Barracks is the only remaining restoration of such a place. Visit the gift shop for items pertaining to history of the period. Call (609)396-1776 or on the weekends (609)777-3599. www.barracks.org. Old Barracks Museum, Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.