Soldiers, Slaves And Freedom Seekers

Every school child has probably heard of George Washington and Paul
Revere, but African-American hero Ned Hector hasn't made it into most
history books.

Every school child has probably heard of George Washington and Paul
Revere, but African-American hero Ned Hector hasn't made it into most
history books.

Now visitors to the Valley Forge area will hear about Hector and other
black heroes of the American Revolution and Civil War, through special
events and tours.

African-Americans' proud history of service in our Armed Forces began
with the American Revo-lution, when more than 5,000 soldiers of African
descent fought in the Continental Army. Many shared the hardships of the
winter encampment at Valley Forge, when the Continental army was forged
into a fighting force that went on to win the American Revolution.

Some won their own freedom as well; others found themselves and their
descendants relegated to slavery.

At special events throughout the year, visitors will meet Ned Hector,
who was a hero of the Battle of Brandywine and also fought at the Battle
of Germantown.

At Valley Forge, every Saturday through the summer months, they'll meet
Hannah Till, George Washington's cook, who was born into slavery and
worked hard to buy her freedom.

The compelling stories of soldiers, slaves, and abolitionists from the
Revolution through the Civil War are told at special events throughout
the Valley Forge area, and on guided tours of the region. Visitors to
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Brandywine Bat-tlefield, Johnson
House Under-ground Railroad site and other sites will hear stories of
ordinary people with extraordinary determination who changed the
nation's history.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed tours to
cater to visitors' preferences. Self-guided African-Amer-ican Heritage
Discovery Tours let visitors travel at their own pace, stopping to shop
or visit the region's many gardens, museums and attractions.

African-American Freedom Trail Group Tours are ideal for family
reunions, conferences, conventions, and religious and military reunions.