All eyes in the country were on Pennsylvania on July 4, 1976. An idea that was inspired by our country's westward expansion became a way to bring that time to life and to bring it full circle.
From the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it took about 100 years for the American colonies to expand about 3000 miles, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Pioneers in covered wagons set off for the west, for adventure, a better life. They formed wagon trains across the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, on to California and Oregon to create a new life in our young country.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had an idea to celebrate that period in American history, with the cry "Wagons Ho!" A pilgrimage back east, along the same routes traveled by wagons 100 years before. This event was sponsored by Pennsylvania to focus on its key role in the birth of our country and the movement westward. It was a way for all of the states to participate in, and it was a celebration of American ideals and rededication to these principles.
An authentic covered wagon traveled from each state. The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania provided an authentic Conestoga wagon or Prairie Schooner made in Arkansas to each of the 50 states, arranging for a teamster and horses for each. Starting in June 1975, wagons from the Northwestern states traveled the Oregon, Bozeman, Mormon and Lewis and Clark trails, then wintered over in Wyoming and South Dakota. By spring, five trains with thousands of participants, some just day riders, some coming the entire way, were headed towards Valley Forge, PA from all over the country. Officially, 60 wagons made the trek, one from each state plus a lead wagon and chuck wagon for each of the five caravans. Many privately owned wagons and outriders came as well.
Along the way, wagons participated in local parades and shows, ending up with a full summer of daily entertainment at Valley Forge, with many of the wagons staying there for the summer.
The wagoneers carried rededication scrolls east with them, and hundreds of thousands of Americans who couldn't join the pilgrimage signed them in public squares, schools, business centers and hotels across the country, making the journey symbolically. They were microfilmed and preserved upon arrival at Valley Forge.
Here is what was signed:
The Pledge of Rededication
To commemorate the nation's Bicentennial we hereby dedicate ourselves anew to the precepts of our Founding Fathers:
…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Signed on this date _________ 19__.
On July 4, 1976, all of the trains arrived in Valley Forge State Park, converging on a field below the National Memorial Arch. There, in front of a huge crowd of people, a helicopter arrived with the President of the United States. At this time, President Ford signed legislation making Valley Forge a National Historical Park, rather than a State Park. It was a wonderful day that will live on in the memories of all those that attended.
It was a simpler time, with less controversy than there is today. In some ways it doesn't seem that long ago, in other ways, it seems like forever ago.
I, along with my mom, friend and cousin, were on horseback and joined one of the trains as they entered Valley Forge State Park on July 4. We lived about a mile from Valley Forge, and that was our favorite place to ride. For such an event to come to our 'local' park was about the most exciting thing that could happen to a 15 year old horse-crazy teenager like myself! We were the local experts, and helped many individuals go from one camp to another, as there were a couple of different encampment areas to handle the amount of travelers.
There is a Facebook page for the participants of the wagon train, and some are holding smaller events this summer. I know that many great events are happening this year for America's 250th, even some nice events planned at Valley Forge, but for me and many Americans, we will think back to that day, 50 years ago, when the whole nation came together to celebrate our nation's heritage in such a special and meaningful way.
