Washington Crossing State Park
Everyone has heard the story; on the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington and a small contingent of Continental Army troops crossed the Delaware River made a surprise attack on Trenton and changed the course of the Revolutionary War. Washington Crossing State Park in New Jersey marks the site where the Continental troops landed. It makes a great place to visit not only for its wealth of history, but for its nature center and astronomical observatory.
Historical interest
One of the most interesting historical sites is the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum, which focuses on "The Ten Crucial Days." This military campaign, which lasted from December 25, 1776 to January 3, 1777, included the crossing of the Delaware River and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The museum houses over 700 period artifacts. Of similar interest is the Johnson Ferry House, a farmhouse and tavern that likely served briefly as General Washington's lodgings. Visitors may see historical reenactments in and around the house on weekends.
The nature center and observatory
The Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center provides nature education to groups; individuals can take the extensive trails around the area to find native fauna and flora, including the spring avens, a rare herb in the rose family. The John W.H. Simpson Observatory is open every Friday night from April to October for observation of the heavens.
Fees and hours
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day entrance is free during the week; it costs $5 per vehicle on the weekends. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Camping is also available.
Washington Crossing State Park is one of New Jersey's historical treasures and includes activities for both nature lovers and history buffs alike. It makes up one half of Washington's Crossing, a National Historic Landmark comprising the New Jersey site as well as a state park of the same name across the river in Pennsylvania. Visit both to get a true appreciation of the daring magnificence of General Washington's military maneuver.