Titusville in Hopewell Township in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Johnson Ferry House

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 2008

1. Johnson Ferry House Marker

Inscription. This farmhouse is the only existing structure within the park that witnessed the Crossing of the Continental troops on December 25-26, 1776. It was built around 1740 by Rutger Jansen, a Dutchman from Flatbush, Long Island, on a tract of 490 acres that he purchased along the Delaware River. His son, Garret, inherited the house and property and, with his wife Judith and their 12 children, established a thriving plantation and ferry business. The dutch name Jansen was Americanized to Johnson. By 1769 the Johnson Farm included the present farmhouse, a barn, stables, a stone shop and kitchen, fruit orchards, grain fields, meadows and timbered land. In 1761, Garret obtained a tavern license to operate a ferry service with an upper and a lower landing. The Crossing bridge now stands at what was the lower ferry landing. Ferry travelers could find refreshment or lodging in this farmhouse.

Still referred to as Johnson’s Ferry during the American Revolution (Samuel McKonkey owned the ferry on the Pa. side), it was rented and operated by James Slack and owned by Abraham Harvey. As New Jersey was British occupied on in December of

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

1776, Hessian patrols from Trenton passed through Johnson’s Ferry frequently for roughly two weeks before the Battle of Trenton. This site was also witness to a small military skirmish on Christmas Eve between 30 Continental scouts and 50 patrolling Hessian jaegers. Best known, however, was the Christmas Night Crossing of the river of 2400 Continental Troops leading to the Battle of Trenton. The house was used briefly by Continental troops and officers and possibly by General Washington, who was the driving force behind the campaign. The Battle of Trenton was a pivotal victory for the American Cause.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1862.

Location. 40° 17.977′ N, 74° 52.081′ W. Marker is in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It is in Titusville. It can be reached from Brickyard Road. This marker is in Washington Crossing State Park near the entrance

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 2008

2. Johnson Ferry House Marker

The Ferry House is in the background.

to the house from a parking area reached by a park access road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1365 Brickyard Rd, Titusville NJ 08560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Jersey

and in Greater Princeton.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Continental Lane (a few steps from this marker); Prelude to Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated in Memory of John Honeyman (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spring House (about 300 feet away); Site of Crossing (about 400 feet away); Retreat and Counterattack – 1776 (about 600 feet away); Ferry Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Crossing (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hopewell Township.

The Front of the Johnson Ferry House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 2008

3. The Front of the Johnson Ferry House

The Back of the Johnson Ferry House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Gary Nigh, August 2008

4. The Back of the Johnson Ferry House

Inside the Johnson Ferry House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 20, 2008

5. Inside the Johnson Ferry House

Johnson Ferry House Bedroom image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 20, 2008

6. Johnson Ferry House Bedroom

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,631 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 17, 2008, by Gary Nigh of Trenton, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on December 14, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.