Gulph Mills Encampment Monument Rededication
On a snowy morning of December 16th, on the 248th anniversary of General George Washington’s Continental Army Encampment at Gulph Mills (13-19 December, 1777), the Society held an important rededication ceremony for the historic monument that has recently been relocated back to this historically accurate location, the actual site of the historic encampment. The Society originally created and placed this monument in 1892 (one of the very first monuments we placed), and after several relocations due to various modern road projects, we were pleased to have found this new home for the monument.
The rededication ceremony was lead by Society President C. Michael Whelan, with Society Chaplain The Rev. Tommy Thompson offering a Blessing for the monument, and we were thrilled to have Sheilah Vance, Esq. with us once again to offer her invaluable scholarship and insight into the remarkable historical importance of the Gulph Mills Encampment. The Society Color Guard also presented Colors during the rededication ceremony. President Whelan also presented official proclamations from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon.
The event culminated with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, conducted by President Whelan and Sharone Lewis of The Sunoco Corporation, who have generously offer us an easement on this plot of land for the monument relocation. Also in attendance were representatives from Valley Forge National Historical Park, Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors, Upper Merion Township Historical Commission, King of Prussia Historical Society, and other interest groups and local citizens.
A final acknowledgement of our gratitude to Society members Michael Dougherty and Harvard Wood for their perseverance and dedication to making this important project happen.
