Day 23 - 7/13

Even though we left Philadelphia, we didn't go too far. We arrived at Valley Forge National Park, which is about 40 miles from Philly. Valley Forge was the place where Washington and his troops spent the winter of 1777 and 1778. The climate was harsh for the soldiers who had to stay in huts they built in the cold snow. For entertainment they would have played with cards and dice. We got to see some of the tools that they used. We also took a tour that showed us some of the actual huts they built and the ridges they used for protection against the British. Some of the cabins were furnished with time period objects. It's amazing to think that these men had to stay warm in dank, dark cabins while at the same time, guard the surrounding areas. The formation of the camp was in a triangle with one side being a river and the other two being ridges where one could see easily down in the valleys below. While the British never did attempt to attack the men at Valley Forge, by Spring, the men probably would have been formidable opponents thanks to Baron von Steuben of Prussia. He helped Washington in training the colonists to become more efficient and organized. Valley Forge was a trying time for those men who gave up so much so that we could all enjoy freedom.

After seeing Valley Forge, we traveled down the road to see Hopewell Furnace National Park. Even though this name might not be recognizable, this place was significant during the Revolutionary War. In Colonial America, the British didn't allow the colonists to forge or work with iron. However, the Hopewell property ignored this rule and manufactured iron products. During the Revolutionary War, they help forge guns and other weapons to be used against the British. This place also has ancestral significance to our family. On my mom's side, my sixth great grandfather Derek Pennybacker was trained to be an iron smith in this area. He later developed a forge in Virginia.  The well known Pennybacker stoves can still be found today. It was very fun to be able to stand where one of my ancestors stood and worked.

For a change of pace, we detoured up to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chocolate Street and Cocoa Avenue are real streets here along with other town sites, such as Hershey High School. We went into the visitor's center and immediately smelled chocolate. I was so overwhelmed by the mounds (and almond joys haha) of chocolate. It was so beautiful. We went on a ride that gives a brief history of the Hershey brand and how their chocolate is made. We, of course, bought some chocolate and even got a picture with a Hershey Kiss. I was sad to leave that place, but I'm glad I got to go.