Spotlight: Pennsylvania - Washington Crossing Historic Park

Spotlight: Washington Crossing Historic Park lies along the Delaware River at the site where George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the river to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian troops that were holed up for the winter in the city of Trenton, New Jersey celebrating Christmas. During the campaign of 1776, the Continental Army had suffered defeat after defeat to the better trained and better armed British troops and their Hessian mercenaries. Morale among the troops had reached its lowest point, and it looked as if the American Revolution was doomed to fail. Soldiers were deserting every day, returning home rather than continuing what was looking to be a lost cause. The enlistments of many of those who remained would expire at year's end. General George Washington knew that if they went into winter quarters without a victory to buoy morale, there might not be an army left to command once spring rolled around. Therefore, he gambled the bulk of the army on a desperate plan that could either save the war effort or doom it to failure. The attack was launched on the night of Dec. 25-26, when Washington led 2,400 men across the river at McConkey's Ferry.
     The boats used for the crossing were a motley crew of vessels, including several large Durham boats used to carry pig iron down the Delaware. Before crossing, Washington gave a rousing speech to his men. The loaded boats began crossing the ice-choked river at 6:00 pm, under the cover of darkness. Conditions worsened as the night progressed, with sleet making visibility practically nil. The attack called for a three-pronged effort, with two divisions slated to attack Trenton from the south; but the weather forced the commanders of these divisions to abandon the effort. Washington was persistent, however, and successfully transported his troops to the other side. Although they planned to attack under the cover of darkness, the crossing, which included horses and cannon, took nine hours. The delays meant that they reached Trenton under the rays of the morning sun. Luckily, the Hessian troops were still hungover from their celebrations the night before, and Washington's troops were able to capture the entire garrison without a single casualty. The resounding victory reignited the fervor of the colonies, signaling a turning point in their war for independence.
      Today, a reenactment of Washington's crossing is performed every year on Christmas Day. Visitors can watch history in action as actors dressed in authentic uniforms recreate the historic crossing.

Location: Washington Crossing Historic Park is divided into two sections. The "lower park" is headquartered in the village of Washington Crossing at 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977 at the intersection of Routes 32 & 532. (If you type the address into Google maps, it appears to be on the New Jersey side of the river, but it isn't.) The "upper park" is located 4 1/2 miles away in Solebury Township.

Delaware River at site of Crossing

Cost: Full dress rehearsal of reenactment: $8/adult, $4/child (5-11); Christmas Day reenactment - free;
- Historic Village tours are $6/person; Thompson-Neely House & Farmstead tours are $6/person; Bowman's Hill Tower - $6/person (click here for more information and discounts)

Time: 30 min. - 3 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Most sites are open from 10 am - 4 pm. The visitor's center is open until 5 pm. Visitors can explore the Historic Village until dusk.

Description: The Visitor's Center was completely renovated in 2012. It contains historic exhibits, an educational program, and a large auditorium for movies, concerts, and speaking engagements. Among the exhibits is an original letter written by George Washington while in the McConkey Ferry Inn. Visitors may also purchase tour tickets here.

Artifacts including original letter written by Washington

     The Village (Lower Park) includes the following buildings: McConkey Ferry Inn (built in 1790 to replace the original inn, of which only the basement and kitchen remain); the Mahlon K. Taylor House (an example of a rich merchant's home from the early 1800's); Taylorsville Houses (several 19th century buildings which include residences and small shops); the Hibbs House (it has served as the home/workshop of several tradesmen including a shoemaker, cooper, wheelwright, and carpenter); the Frye House and Blacksmith shop (living history demonstrations are conducted during special events throughout the year); the Durham Boat Barn (it houses the replica boats used in the annual Delaware crossing reenactments).

McConkey Ferry Inn

Blacksmith Shop

Durham boats

     Boman's Tower (Upper Park) rises 125 feet above the top of Bowman's Hill, offering a 14-mile view on a clear day. The Thompson-Neely House and Farmstead (Upper Park) served as a temporary regimental army hospital during the winter of 1776-77. Future president James Monroe convalesced here after being injured during the First Battle of Trenton. Also located on the grounds is Soldiers' Graves - a memorial cemetery for an unknown number of Revolutionary War soldiers who died during the December 1776 encampment.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5) - Bear in mind that when we went the Visitor Center was under construction, and we never got to see the Upper Park.

Things You Should Know: - There is also a Washington Crossing State Park on the New Jersey side of the river. This is a separate park which we didn't have time to see.
- A full dress rehearsal of the crossing reenactment is held in mid-December. Along with the reenactment, visitors can participate in special colonial-era activities and demonstrations throughout the historic village. The Christmas Day reenactment will be held from Noon to 3:00. River crossings may be cancelled if conditions are deemed too dangerous for the participants.
- The painting of "Washington Crossing the Delaware" is a full sized digital copy of Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze's original from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Bowman's Tower was built in the 1930's to commemorate what may have been a lookout post for Washington's troops. No such tower existed in Washington's day.
- We drove around for about 45 minutes trying to find the Upper Park, but never did (thanks to Miss Taken); so make sure you get good directions.

Nearby: Washington Crossing State Park (NJ), Trenton Battle Monument (NJ), Lake Luxembourg, Churchville Park

Trenton Battle Monument