Washington Crossing Historic Park facts for kids
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Washington Crossing Historic Park
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Washington Crossing Park Visitor Center
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Between Yardley and New Hope, on the Delaware River, Yardley, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
| Built | 1776 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000650 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961 |
Washington Crossing Historic Park is a large 500-acre park in Pennsylvania. It is famous because George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River here during the American Revolutionary War. This important event happened on Christmas night in 1776.
The park is split into two main parts. The "lower park" is in the village of Washington Crossing. It has many historic buildings. The "upper park" is about 4.5 miles away. Both parts help us remember the brave soldiers and what they did for America's freedom.
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What Can You See at the Park?
The park has many interesting places to explore. You can learn about the American Revolution and enjoy nature.
The Lower Park: Where the Crossing Began
The lower part of the park holds 13 historic buildings. One of the most important is McConkey's Ferry Inn. This is where General Washington and his officers planned their secret crossing.
You can also see five replica Durham Boats here. These were large, open boats used to carry heavy materials like iron. On that cold night in 1776, these boats helped transport Washington's soldiers, horses, and equipment across the icy river. Every year, the park holds a special event to reenact this famous nighttime crossing.
The lower park also has a visitor's center. It was updated in 2013. Inside, you'll find a small exhibit with items from the Revolutionary War. There's even an original letter written by George Washington himself! You can also see a huge digital copy of the famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, by Emanuel Leutze.
The Upper Park: A Place of Reflection
The upper part of the park is about 100 acres. Here, you can visit Bowman's Hill Tower. This tower might have been a lookout point for Washington's troops. They would have watched the Delaware River for any enemy activity.
Another important spot is the Thompson-Neely House. This house was used as a hospital during the war. Many soldiers who were sick or injured were cared for here. Sadly, between 40 and 60 soldiers died at the hospital. Their graves are nearby, though their exact locations are not known. There are 23 memorial headstones to honor them.
Why is this Park Important?
The park was created in 1917 to remember the famous crossing. This event is often called the "Turning point of the American Revolution." The people who started the park wanted to make it a special historical place. They also wanted to protect its natural beauty.
Today, the park continues to teach visitors about this key moment in American history. It also helps protect the local environment. The park is home to the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. This area is a natural home for many native plants, trees, animals, and birds.
The park is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A group called the Friends of Washington Crossing Park also helps run the park. They work together to keep the park open and offer programs. The park is usually open for tours from April to December. You can also use the picnic areas all year long.
Washington Crossing Historic Park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important place in American history.
McConkey's Ferry: The Crossing Point
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington led about 2,400 soldiers across the Delaware River. They crossed at a place called McConkey's Ferry. Their goal was to surprise a group of 1,500 Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey. Hessians were German soldiers fighting for the British.
This crossing was a huge risk. The American army's spirits were very low. But the success of the crossing and the battle that followed changed everything. On the morning of December 26, at the Battle of Trenton, Washington's army won a great victory. They forced the Hessian soldiers to surrender without losing any American lives. This victory gave new hope to the Continental Army, the Continental Congress, and all Americans.
The ferry at this spot had been used since 1684. Samuel McConkey owned it when Washington made his famous crossing. The ferry on the New Jersey side of the river was known as Johnson's Ferry.
Gallery
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McConkey's Ferry Inn
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Monument near the crossing site
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