West Chester, Pa. (September 15, 2026) – A historic site in Tredyffrin that played an important role in the Revolutionary War is becoming a heritage and visitors’ center to support tourism and share the story of American Independence.
This week, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative. Melissa Shusterman announced that the Commonwealth Finance Authority awarded state funding for accessibility upgrades at the 18th-century Duportail House and Federal Barn.
“As we come off the 250th anniversary of our nation, it’s important that we continue to preserve the landmarks and share the stories surrounding our region’s leading role in the fight for freedom and independence,” Comitta said. “I hope this investment will open the history of the Duportail House up to even more visitors and families who come to learn and experience all that Tredyffrin and Chester County have to offer.”
The investment will support transforming the site into an ADA-accessible, visitor-ready heritage destination. In addition to making ADA-compliant upgrades to an existing restroom and ramp construction, the project calls for new signage and structural modifications in preparation for new exhibits and enhanced visitor amenities.
During the Continental Army’s encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-78, the Duportail House served as headquarters for General Louis Lebègue Duportail, a French military engineer, who was George Washington’s Chief Engineer of the Continental Army.
Recruited by Benjamin Franklin and loaned by France, Duportail planned Valley Forge’s defenses during the Revolutionary War’s darkest hours, designing fortifications that could enable Washington’s troops to hold off a potential attack by the British army, which was encamped in nearby Philadelphia.
While those defenses were never tested, Duportail went on to help establish the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is credited with founding what would become the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His motto “Essayons” (“Let us try”) remains the Corps’ official motto today.
Comitta worked with State Rep. Melissa Shusterman to help secure the $25,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account Program.
“I’m proud to have been able to bring money back to my district,” Shusterman said. “We’re thankful to live in a Commonwealth that continues to invest in our communities. Whether it’s urgent infrastructure needs, upgraded equipment for our first responders or new innovations for county tourism, our economy works for the people who work hard to contribute to it.”
The initiative also aligns with local heritage tourism and economic development strategies, aiming to boost public engagement and regional tourism.
Today, the Duportail House and barn have been restored and serve as a wedding venue and event space. Both structures are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Local Share Account program is designed to distribute funds derived from gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects.
Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, and councils of government.
Eligible projects must improve the quality of life of community citizens and be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
For more information about Duportail House or to plan a visit, visit www.duportailhouse.com
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