In celebration of America’s 200th birthday in 1976 people from across the country took part in a very unique road trip: the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania.
The Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania, which organized the event, described it as “a replay of history – in reverse. A train of covered wagons – one from each state – is crossing the country from West to East, adhering as closely as possible to original pioneer trails and wagon routes.” They provided an authentic Conestoga wagon or Prairie Schooner for each state, as well as a Pennsylvania Conestoga and a chuck wagon to accompany each of the five main caravans. People were also encouraged to join the trek in their own wagons.
All of the wagons converged at Valley Forge on July 3, 1976, for an encampment and Bicentennial festivities the following day. The first wagons started on their way from the west coast in June 1975, traveling for over a year to reach their destination!
The wagons paraded to the state park encampment there on July 4 to celebrate the Bicentennial, which included a visit from President Ford to sign legislation establishing Valley Forge as a National Historical Park. After the celebration the state wagons remained on display at the park through October 1976.
