Washington Crossing National Historic Park and Bowman’s Hill
add photos5 Reviews for Washington Crossing National Historic Park and ...
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10 families found this helpful
"learning experience"
My kids were learning about George Washington aso we decided to take them to Washington's crossing. The movie was cool and they had neat things and lots of informatin in the gift shop. The old houses were so cool. The kids were amazed that there was no tv or electricity in those times. The river was also not a wide as they expected it to be.
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0 families found this helpful
"Interesting a scenic"
Walk along the Delaware and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You might see folks dressed in period costume milling around! There is a small information building/museum and shop with lots of historic information. The inn nearby has a great brunch buffet too!
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
We picture “Washington’s crossing” as in the famous painting by Emanuel Leutz, with George Washington standing heroically in the small boat as his troops row across the Delaware to surprise the Hessians on Christmas Day.
The German artist had never seen Washington Crossing when he painted it in the nineteenth century. It may not be safe to stand up in a small boat, but the image depicts an artist’s impression of a historic event. In the Memorial Building at Washington Crossing National Historic Park, you can see a copy of the painting. It’s larger than life in more ways than one—the painting is 20 feet long, 12 feet tall.
A thirty-minute film at the visitor center describes the events of December 25, 1776, which led to a turning point of the Revolution. Washington planned his surprise attack from his headquarters in the Thompson–Neely House, and he ate dinner before the crossing at the Old Ferry Inn. In the Durham Boat House you can see the boats that were actually used for the crossing.
Every year on Christmas Day the park hosts a reenactment of Washington’s crossing. Other special events here include Gingerbread Days, Tavern Nights, and special activities in honor of Washington’s birthday. Gazebo Games, another special event, lets kids try out the games and toys enjoyed by eighteenth-century children.
'10, '11
1 family found this helpful
"Watch history almost be repeated"
We couldn't believe that we were actually there on Christmas Day to see the Washington Crossing reenactment. Apparently, a whole lot of other people were happy to be there as well, because there were crowds everywhere (including long lines in the gift shop, clogging up the entrance to the long lines at the rest room). Serendipity led us to our most brilliant decision of the day: I took half of the children on a walk to the nearby bridge, while my husband stayed with the other two where they could kind-of see what was going on. They saw "General Washington" make his speeches, and we saw the crossing. One the bridge. Yes, apparently the water is quite often too rough to actually make the river crossing, so the troops just march across the bridge to New Jersey instead. So much for history repeating itself.
3 families found this helpful
"Good weekend destination"
Washington Crossing Park has plenty to of historic attractions to keep you busy for a day or two. The reenactment of Gen. Washington crossing the Delaware seems pretty accurate and it's sad to say I only saw it once despite having grown up only 15 mins away. Nearby to the north is the town of New Hope which has lots of little shops and restaurants to get fueled up, not to mention the art galleries! The drive along River Road is picturesque. Also Yardley is another historic little town and a few restaurants and shops to see - my hometown!
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