Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Founding Fathers in Prayer

Statues on the grounds of the Freedoms Foundation. The first was George Washington. A writer named Parson Weems alleged -- some 30 years after the fact -- that Washington had knelt in prayer, head bowed, asking for divine favor (Weems was also the source of the dubious Washington vs. cherry tree story). As if to spite the critics of this statue, a second was added of Washington praying on horseback, and then a third of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Ben Franklin kneeling in a group prayer. Other statues, including Lincoln, on the grounds.

Freedoms Foundation

Address:: 1601 Valley Forge Rd, Valley Forge, PA
Directions:: Freedoms Foundation, on Route 23 just outside of Phoenixville.
Phone:: 610-933-8825
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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General Washington prays.

Founding Fathers in Prayer

Quiet place, nice for reflection.

[Katie, 08/24/2017]

Praying Founding Fathers.

Praying Founding Fathers Statues

While most statues of America's Founding Fathers depict military prowess and confident leadership, two statues on the grounds of the Freedoms Foundation show their softer, vulnerable side. At the top of the hill in the amphitheater, a larger-than-life Washington kneels in prayer. Just off the circle on the way into the complex, the writers of the Declaration of Independence gather together for divine inspiration.

For those visitors looking for the more standard poses, there's also Washington on a horse and Lincoln orating. There are also two large slabs, one featuring The Bill of Responsibilities, that includes some handy tips for "members of a free society."

[Kim Newell, 08/02/2014]

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