Home Care In Washington Crossing, PA

The tour will follow the routes taken by Washington and his army through New Hope during the American Revolutionary War.

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — For more than two weeks from Dec. 8 to 25, two regiments numbering about 600 soldiers encamped at Coryell’s Ferry, now New Hope, under the command of French general Alexis Roche de Fermoy. This brigade represented a quarter of the 2,400 troops included in General George Washington’s legendary crossing of the Delaware River to the decisive Battle of Trenton on Dec. 25, 1776.

General Washington’s strategy to defend his struggling army from the onslaught of the British in December 1776 included ordering that all ferry crossings along the Delaware River from Morrisville to Coryell’s Ferry be heavily fortified to prevent General Cornwallis’s army from crossing the river and quelling the fledgling revolution.

General Washington visited Coryell’s Ferry twice during that period to prepare his generals for the imminent battles in Trenton. They were ordered to march toward McConkey’s Ferry (now Washington Crossing) at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Two years later, beginning on June 19, 1778, the entire Continental Army, more than 12,000 strong, with about 500 wives who followed their husbands into battle, marched along Old York Road, and crossed the Delaware River over a period of three days from New Hope’s historic Ferry Landing to Lambertville (then Coryell’s Ferry, N.J.) on their way to the important Battle of Monmouth.

On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., a New Hope Historical Society’s tour led by the society’s historian and board member Roy Ziegler, will follow the routes taken by George Washington and his army through New Hope during the American Revolutionary War.

Tickets are limited, so the New Hope Historical Society suggests making reservations now atnewhopehistorical.org .

WASHINGTON CROSSING, NJ — From extensive renovations and historic restorations to the construction of a brand-new visitor center, Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey will soon be ready for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

As part of the improvements, the Washington Crossing Nature Center has received a refresh featuring fresh paint, new flooring, upgraded bathroom facilities, new drop ceilings and lights, and an asphalt roof replacement.

Inside the refreshed Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park, N.J.

The public is invited to celebrate the nature center's grand reopening on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and celebrate with crafts, treats, hands-on activities, and presentations.

The park’s new full-time naturalist has also hit the ground running, offering a variety of engaging programs and events. Learn more about upcoming opportunities to explore nature and history by clicking here.

Looking ahead, the park is preparing for "Washington's Landing In New Jersey," to be held on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The public is invited to join NJ State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and other NJ-based reenactor groups who will give the public the chance to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it.

(Washington Crossing State Park, NJ)

“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” is made possible thanks to the work of the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park. Reenactors who cross with Washington will be met by General Nathaneal Greene, who will invite them to an encampment in the Lower Park. Near the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where historians will speak on the contributions of New Jersey soldiers and families. Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House, where volunteers from the Garden Club of Trenton will serve free hot cider and donuts in front of a roaring fire. Food trucks will be on hand.

The WCPA Landing event relies upon a $10/carload donation. This does not include entry to the activities on the Pennsylvania side, although the public is encouraged to “Cross the Delaware” by foot to support the event. Note: The bridge will close to car traffic at approximately 10:30 a.m.

About

On Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington led a surprise crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River with 2,400 troops, launching a bold attack that shifted the momentum of the American Revolution.

By then, his army was exhausted, having had to retreat from New York, while the British held Rhode Island and much of New Jersey.

The ensuing victory revived a faltering cause. Morale was boosted, soldiers reenlisted, and new recruits joined the ranks. The revolution wasn't over after all.

Today, Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves this hallowed ground through more than 500 acres of historic sites. Visitors can step inside the McConkey Ferry Inn, where Washington planned the attack, or walk through the Thompson-Neely Farmstead, once the encampment of the Continental Army. For sweeping views of the river valley, guests can climb up Bowman's Hill Tower.

Each December, thousands gather to watch reenactors retrace the legendary crossing, and throughout the year, visitors can explore colonial demonstrations, gardens, trails, and the still-operating 19th-century grist mill.

The park offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of Washington and his soldiers at the very place where hope for American independence was revived.

Know Before You Go

Parking is available at the Visitor Center in the Lower Park, where there are also restrooms, exhibits, a gift shop, and tickets for guided tours.

Bowman’s Hill Tower is a short drive from the main park and offers panoramic views, but it is only open seasonally.

The annual Christmas Day crossing reenactment draws large crowds, so visitors are recommended to arrive early for parking and best viewing.

Many sites, including the Thompson-Neely Farmstead and the Grist Mill, are only accessible by tour. Visitors should check the website for current hours and programs.

Trails connect much of the park to the Delaware Canal Towpath, making it a good spot for both history and hiking.