national memorial arch

chrisgE1699YW

The arch is beautiful and the view from the front is great. You can see the American flag positioned right in the middle of the arch. A must see at Valley Forge.

430sherrim

Per the website for Valley Forge - it is a simplified version of the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome (A.D. 81) which marked the capture of Jerusalem by Emperor Titus in A.D. 70. In the classical tradition, the triumphal arch of one or three openings was erected to honor Generals or Emperors, so that this memorial arch with its single opening is classically proper as a national tribute to General Washington and the army he led.

DancingwithMyFather

Although we had watched the famed movie National Treasure, I hadn't studied the Masonic connections to the founding fathers. I didn't realize there were such strong ties to this monument. It is peaceful and beautiful, though, and provides gorgeous opportunities for hiking/exploring the outdoors.

119TomB119

As with all the other things to see at Valley Forge, this is a must stop. Very impressive, especially when you realize it is in memory of George Washington.

JackL448

The Arch is stop 2 on Line Drive. It looks much like the Arch of Paris, only on a much smaller scale. The Arch is a memorial to the officers & private soldiers of the Continienal Army, December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. On one inside wall are words about the officers' & private's sacifice. The side has all the names of the major officers. Each side has raised seal. High on the rear side are words by General Washington about the soldiers' Starving, Administration, Patience & Fidelity during the six months at Valley Forge.Nearby is monument to the soldiers of the state of Massachuetts, who servied at Valley Forge. All parking for this stop is behind & down a hill. In front is just a drive by, no parking. This was one of the better stops for photo taking.

Joe2897

Its at the beginning of the National Park & one of many parking lots ,you can stop park ,look around read the Memorial's and then either start walking or you can drive to the next Memorial & Log Cabins . Highly Recommend !!!!!!

JamieRoss

This memorial stands tall in the Pennsylvania hills of Valley Forge. It's a fitting tribute to George Washington, but is unmindful of the experience and character of the rough hewn, beleaguered troops he led in 1778-79.

SeanO350

An arch represents triumph, and that is what can be said about Valley Forge, this is a must see. My daughter and I saw this on the driving trail as part of the Valley Forge tour, and had to stop. I hadn't seen anything as beautiful as that arch since being in Paris.

slrv61

We experienced this as part of the trolly tour from the visitors center. Very nice. I would not do this alone, but as part of the Valley Forge experience.

irishslider

Thinking about the people memorialized by the arch and the time and effort it took master craftsmen to construct such an edifice makes one proud of such workers and their achievement.

AdventureLass

It's often said that Valley Forge is the Birthplace of the American Soldier. The National Memorial Arch brings to mind so many of those soldiers that lost their lives in and near this area - as the history is excellently told via the movie at the visitor's center and throughout the park. Erected in 1910 by an act of Congress, it's modeled on the Arch of Titus of Rome, and it was dedicated in 1917. The arch is situated at the top of a hill at the intersections of Gulph Rd and Outer Line Drive. It's an easy walk up to the arch from the parking lot or via the pathways that begin at the park's visitor's center.

Erichek_SPb

It's rather incongruous to find such a grand monument in an otherwise low-key park, but little details make this one rather touching. Spend a few minutes reading the inscriptions (and those on the other monuments) and see for yourself.

tank1050

The Arch is on a high point in the park and commemorates the sacrifices of our patriotic fore fathers. The path up is easy and look at the flag stand and commemorative memorials in the neighborhood. Good photo op and it's on the Valley Forge National Park Encampment Tour.

jehenson81

This arch is quite the monument to the sacrifice of our revolutionary soldiers and it is striking to see in those rolling hills, but in some ways I felt that it didn't quite fit in with the spirit of those who fought. The monument at Appomattox was much more subdued and really struck a cord for its simplicity. But still it is worth the stop and maybe even a stroll around to contemplate what happened there.

HelenaGuerra

Tip: no entrance fee.I really enjoyed the driving tour. The National Memorial Arch is one of the stops. Hopefully we stopped and walked around because we could see it better. The arch is bigger than I initially thought. And it has an American flag behind which makes for a good pic.