Last updated: June 4, 2026
Article
My Valley Forge Story: Nick Mattera
NPS/ Nicholas Mattera
In the 1960s my father entered the Park via Route 252 when it ended in front of the Stable north of Route 23. We also parked at the old Concession building, just off of Route 23. Many times we’d enjoy a snack in the Concession building before walking down the hill to Washington’s Headquarters and the soldiers’ huts. I spent most of my childhood visits in this area of the park. We also climbed the stairs of the old Observation Tower and enjoyed the view from there. Naturally, things have changed over the years. The road in front of the Stable, the Concessions building, and the Observation Tower are gone now, but the story remains the same.
There is something left behind by the people who did great things. As a child, I was in awe standing in Washington’s Headquarters – being in the same place our founding father worked and slept. I could feel the history that was made there and began to develop an appreciation for it. Wanting to know more I began to read about Washington and the American Revolution. My first book was “Meet George Washington” by Joan Heilbroner followed closely by “George Washington – From Boyhood to President” by Bella Koral. These were the books that ignited a lifetime interest in American history.
As I got older, I began to explore the park to a greater degree, which led to a more specific interest in military strategy, troop placement, and the soldier experience. This is when I focused on Valley Forge’s outer and inner line defenses and the placement of the redoubts. It also led to a desire to visit battlefields like Brandywine and Gettysburg. A seminal book in my childhood journey was the American Heritage’s “The Golden Book of the Civil War”. I’ve been studying battlefields ever since!
Taking my children and grandchildren on visits to Valley Forge, Independence Hall, and other historic locations help me to infuse an appreciation for our national heritage. There is a human element to our historic sacrifices, and our youth need to know it intellectually and feel it in their hearts. Volunteering at Valley Forge and wearing the insignia of the National Park Service makes me feel part of the effort to preserve and interpret the Park in some small way. More importantly, it allows me to help others grow in their appreciation of what happened here.
While the story of the colonials at Valley Forge feeds my passion for history, the beauty of the Park feeds my soul. The Park is absolutely gorgeous almost any time of the year. The vista at the elevated location of the Von Steuben statue is my favorite spot. Looking out over the gold/green tall grass of the Grand Parade, the rhythm of the swaying grass and the warm summer breeze help me rest and recharge.