Last updated: February 14, 2024
Place
Artillery Park
NPS Photo / G. Purifoy
Quick Facts
Location:
East Inner Line Drive
Significance:
Central location for artillery during the Valley Forge encampment
Designation:
Stop 7 on the self-guided Encampment Tour
Amenities
19 listed
Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Maps Available, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
Artillery Park was the central location used during the encampment to keep cannons at the ready in case of a British attack. If there was a threat, the artillery crew could hear the alarm call made with fife and drum from anywhere within the encampment and mobilize the weapons.
The cannons at Artillery Park are mounted on steel carriages and would be brought to where they were needed, along with the tools, gunpowder, and ammunition necessary to fire the gun. Nicknamed "three-pounders," the cannons at Artillery Park are capable of firing up to a three-pound solid cannonball.