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Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park is a 500-acre (2 km2) state park operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. The park is divided into two sections. One section of the park, the "lower park," is headquartered in the village of Washington Crossing located in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It marks the location of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War.A visit to Washington Crossing Historic Park represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Washington Crossing day trip planner to plot your vacation.
The lower park includes 13 historic buildings including McConkey's Ferry Inn, where General George Washington and his aides ate dinner and made plans prior to the crossing. Among the historic buildings is a 20th-century barn that houses 5 replica Durham Boats. Durham boats were large, open boats that were used to transport pig iron along the Delaware River at the time of the Revolution and these boats, along with the ferries and others, were used to transport soldiers, horses, and equipment across the river on the night of December 25–26, 1776. The replica boats are used each year when the nighttime crossing is reenacted in the park.
Located 4.5 miles away in Solebury Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the park's northern section, the "upper park." In its 100-acre area it contains (0.4 km2) Bowman's Hill Tower and the Thompson-Neely House, which was used as a military hospital during Washington's encampment in the area, and the graves of an estimated 40 to 60 soldiers who died there. The exact location of the graves is unknown, though they were partially unearthed during the construction of the nearby Delaware Canal in the early 19th century and during other nearby construction projects. Presently there are 23 memorial headstones as a reminder that the area is a gravesite.
The lower park contains a visitor's center, which was renovated from July 2011 to March 2013. The newly renovated visitor's center was opened March 10, 2013. It features a small exhibition with some Revolutionary war artifacts, and an original letter written by George Washington while in the McConkey's Ferry Inn. The park also has obtained a full size digital copy of Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, that is hanging in the auditorium.
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Washington Crossing Historic Park reviews
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What an amazing place. Anyone who enjoys stepping into the history of our great nation, needs to visit both sides of this historic crossing. There are so many incredible buildings and historic...
What an amazing place. Anyone who enjoys stepping into the history of our great nation, needs to visit both sides of this historic crossing. There are so many incredible buildings and historic... more »
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My wife and I have swung by here a few times. We've been there while the visitor center was closed and while it has been open. Either way it's a good time. we enjoy just walking along the river as...
My wife and I have swung by here a few times. We've been there while the visitor center was closed and while it has been open. Either way it's a good time. we enjoy just walking along the river as... more »
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We are American history buffs and decided to visit here to learn more about the historic event that occurred in 1776. I also wanted to see the buildings that make up this historic park, as promoted...
We are American history buffs and decided to visit here to learn more about the historic event that occurred in 1776. I also wanted to see the buildings that make up this historic park, as promoted... more »
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What an amazing place. Anyone who enjoys stepping into the history of our great nation, needs to visit both sides of this historic crossing. There are so many incredible buildings and historic artifacts to see in the area. The historians were truly phenomenal and provided great information to us which we will share as well. Important to have knowledge of what had to occur for us, as a nation, and the cost paid, to have what we cherish today. The historian (Diane) also gave us info on an off-map burial spot/memorial for unknown soldiers from that fateful night crossing and battle. Not so easy to find, but hiking to it became one of the most meaningful moments of our trip!
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While I cannot comment on the visitor's center, we come here often to walk and enjoy unobstructed views of the river. This park appeals both to those interested in local history (the park is home to several historic buildings) as well as perfect for outdoor fun! Whether walking or cycling, you can do both. Connects with the Delaware and Raritan Canal path for more cycling and walking or cross the bridge to connect with the Washington crossing state park on the New Jersey side. Limitless options abound for extra long hikes or bike rides on both sides of the river!. Currently undergoing some reservations on the PA side to better the property.
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This historic landmark is less than an hour's drive from Philly. It's also a great fall color weekend getaway destination, since the trees and grounds are well-tended. The visitor's center features artifacts such as the canon Lafayette gave to the continental army. There's a historic village with self-guided signage explaining details about the Dec 25 crossing, plus a launch marker. It's an easy add-on to cross over and experience the crossing on the NJ side as well.
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This is the spot where General George Washington and about 2400 men of the Continental Army crossed the icy Delaware River on a miserable cold Christmas night in 1776. We began our visit with a fantastic movie and a excellent guided tour. The visitor center and grounds are very nice. The gift shop has an extensive collection of gifts and the museum is well laid out with incredible exhibits. It was a tremendous historic visit to walk where they walked in 1776. This was one for the bucket list.
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The information center was excellent, use it to it's full extent including the movie and the exhibit room, because ... Almost everything outside, meaning the buildings, are closed for refurbishment. Most of the buildings are cordoned off for refurbishment. Only the boathouse was open for viewing. It would have been nice if the website told you this. Nice place for a walk in the park to view the river and the bridge though.
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