Upper Makefield Township near Washington Crossing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Nation's Signature Event

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, August 18, 2014

1. A Nation's Signature Event Marker

Inscription. After suffering defeats to the British Army in New york and New Jersey, General George Washington retreated to the Pennsylvania banks of the Delaware River in early December, 1776. On Christmas night, Washington boldly moved approximately 2400 men under his command across the Delaware. Advancing to Trenton in sleet and snow, Washington attacked Hessian troops fighting for Britain, captured the city and reversed the fortunes of the Continental Army. His victory increased enlistments, raised morale and financial support, and sent a message of American strength to the world community.

The event is ingrained in the American memory as a significant turning point of the American Revolution.

Washington Crossing Historic Park is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which preserves and interprets the crossing site and tells its story. The two sections of the Park have buildings and landscapes reflecting Revolutionary War activity as well as development associated with the establishment of the Delaware Canal, ca. 1828-1834. These areas are connected by the

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Delaware Canal State Park, managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The lower section features the Visitor Center, the historic village of Taylorsville, the lagoon and picnic pavilions. The upper section features the Thompson-Neely House and grist mill, soldiers' graves, a camping area, picnic pavilions and the Bowman's Hill Tower.

Visiting Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday, Noon-5:00 p.m. Closed:certain holidays and Mondays. Hours are subject to change without notice. Admission is charged. Bowman's Hill Tower is open seasonally April through November.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission by the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve., Inc. The Preserve retains and preserves native plants of Pennsylvania, features trails, and offers nature programs.

Visiting Hours: The Visitor Center is open from 9:99 a.m.-6:00 p.m. seven days a week. The grounds are open from 8:30 a.m. to sundown seven days a week. Closed; certain holidays. Admission is charged (not included in Washington Crossing Historic

Map of the Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, August 18, 2014

2. Map of the Area

Park admission).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Canal (AKA Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 40° 17.648′ N, 74° 52.212′ W. Marker is near Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County. It is in Upper Makefield Township. It is at the intersection of Washington Crossing Memorial Blvd. and River Road on Washington Crossing Memorial Blvd.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington Crossing PA 18977, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia.

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 the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At

Boat used in Christmas Night Crossing Re-enactment image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, August 18, 2014

3. Boat used in Christmas Night Crossing Re-enactment

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington’s Crossing and March to Trenton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Growth of a Village (within shouting distance of this marker); The Durham Boat (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Crossing the Delaware (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Crossed the Delaware (about 700 feet away); Washington Crossing (about 700 feet away); Washington's Crossing of Delaware (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Christmas Night Crossing (approx. ¼ mile away in New Jersey). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington Crossing.

Delaware River at Crossing Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, August 18, 2014

4. Delaware River at Crossing Site

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 651 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 30, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.