Greetings from Valley Forge National Historical Park

It was a Sunday morning, my best friend Jess and I decided to embark on an adventure outside of our small college town. I’m an avid hiker so I was excited, to say the least. This photo represents the good times we spent together on that Sunday afternoon, but also highlights my definition of nature and wilderness. When I think about wilderness I imagine thousands of trees, with rocks, bugs, bizarre animals around me. We spent 45 minutes sitting on these rocks talking about how despite the chaotic stress college brings, nature has always been consistent in our lives. When life gets too tough, just take a moment, breathe, and remember there is a bigger, greater, and natural world around you. Thank you wilderness for supplying me with the stability and serenity I felt that day, but almost every other day I am outside enjoying the fresh air.

Sincerely,
Emma

Valley Forge National Historical Park

During the winter of 1777-78, General George Washington built 13 ragtag state militias into a coordinated Continental Army here, ultimately triumphing over Great Britain, the world’s largest military power at the time. Today, this historical park connects millions of visitors each year to our nation’s Revolutionary War history and to a landscape rich with diverse plants and animals.

State(s): Pennsylvania

Established: 1976

National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!

{{ active ? "Cancel" : "Begin"}}

Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.

You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.

In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!

Here’s your unique story page link:

{{ storyUrl }}

* indicates Required fields

Click to choose a file to upload

Submitting your story means that you agree to our Terms of Service

More Stories

  • Greetings from Valley Forge National Historical Park

    Park Ranger at information center was very helpful with information about Valley Forge and other parks.

  • Greetings from Redwood National & State Parks

    As a child I was in awe when family vacationed there. Have taken trips off and on and now in mid 70's find peace, balm for the heart, feel like healing in God's garden. The air, the smells, the sturdiness of the trees, the colors - all gifts from God,…

  • Greetings from Assateague Island National Seashore

    When I was five, I visited Assateague Island National Seashore. When my daughter was three, my husband and I took her for her first visit to Assateague. This year, 2025, my grandson experienced his first visit to the shores of Assateague. As a family, we've enjoyed time together in nature…

Donate

Preserve Our Parks

Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.

Donate Now