Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
Washington Crossing State Park marks the site of the famous crossing of the Delaware during the Revolutionary War. On the night of December 25, 1776, General Washington and his troops embarked on a daring and pivotal mission to launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The successful crossing and subsequent Battle of Trenton provided a much-needed morale boost for the American forces during a challenging time in the war.
Garret Johnson operated a 490-acre colonial farm and a ferry service across the river in the 1700s. He owned the Johnson Ferry House, an early 18th-century gambrel roof farmhouse and tavern near the Delaware River. During the Revolutionary War, the Johnson Ferry House served as a ferry landing and played a crucial role in transporting General George Washington’s Continental Army across the icy Delaware River.
The park has preserved and restored the Johnson Ferry House to its 18th-century appearance. The historical society sponsors living history events here and throughout the park. I saw one when I visited on a snowy day in February with Take A Hike NJ.
Washington Crossing Posts➤
- Johnson Ferry House
- Washington Crossing State Park
- Nelson House
- Washington Crossing Historic Site
Location: 355 Washington Crossing-Trenton Outskirts, Titusville, NJ 08560
Designation: State Park, National Landmark
Date designated/established: January 20, 1961
Date of my visit: February 20, 2021
Direct ancestors of mine were in the Pennsylvania Navy that helped transport Washington and his troops. Since I have documents from them immediately following the Battle of Trenton, T, I have reason to believe that they may have helped with the river crossing. –Curt
Cool! Have you been to the reenactment they do in December?
No, but that would be fascinating. And we aren’t that far away. Now whether we are around in December is a different issue, T. Grin. But that is always an issue. –Curt
I thought I would go this past December, but it was too busy a time. Maybe 2024
Whoops, looks like it didn’t send. That would be great T.