NJ, USA

Washington Crossing State Park (New Jersey)

Landmark

Washington Crossing State Park marks the New Jersey landing site where Washington's army came ashore after crossing the Delaware River on the night of December 25-26, 1776. The park encompasses the Johnson Ferry House, an eighteenth-century farmhouse that served as a staging point for the army, and includes a visitor center with exhibits on the crossing and the Trenton campaign.

What Happened Here

The Continental Army landed on the New Jersey shore at Johnson's Ferry, approximately nine miles north of Trenton. After disembarking, the soldiers assembled and began the march south toward Trenton along two roads — the Pennington Road and the River Road — arriving at the outskirts of the town around 8:00 AM on December 26. The Johnson Ferry House, which still stands in the park, was used by officers to coordinate the army's movements after the landing. The park preserves the landscape over which the army marched on that winter night.