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Washington Crossing is located in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Bucks County is one of the hidden gems in Pennsylvania. A number of wonderful small towns dot the Delaware River, including New Hope, Lumberton, and Yardley in Pennsylvania and Lambertville and Stockton in New Jersey. One can begin their drive in Yardley and following the river visit these towns and enjoy the countryside. There are great restaurants, a number of wineries, and outdoor activities for the family. The quaint towns and shopping opportunities make the location a year-round tourist attraction.

For activities, check out the Peddler's Village, Delaware River Tubing (with the famous Hot Dog Man), Crossing Vineyards, the Bucks COunty Playhouse, and Philip's Mill Inn. Both New Hope and Lambertville, which sit opposite the Delaware River and are joined by a nice walking bridge, house dozens of fantastic restaurants and shops.

The history of Bucks County is nearly as old as Pennsylvania itself. William Penn created the county upon his arrival. Throughout the 18th century, it served as a farming area for predominantly Quaker settlers.

The county became very important during the American Revolution. Although there were several loyalist factions in Bucks County, it is most famous for quartering Patriot troops in the winter of 1776. Washington's army stopped along the Delaware after their retreat from New York. At the time, the tide of war had swung to the British. Washington launched an offensive from Bucks County that helped boost the waning American morale. The famous crossing is memorialized in the painting by Emmanuel Leutze and is reenacted every winter. You can even help choose who will play Washington online at http://www.buckscountycvb.org/

In the 19th century, Bucks County served as the major artery that linked the port of Philadelphia with goods and materials in northeastern Pennsylvania. During the 19th century, states across the country supported internal improvements, massive government-sponsored transportation initiatives meant to spur economic growth. Among other things, Pennsylvania created a 60-mile canal that paralleled the Delaware but offered greater stability for barges to travel on. New Jersey also created a competing canal system on the other side of the Delaware. Today, the trails make for excellent walking, running, and biking paths.



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Labels: delaware, george-washington, history, pennsylvania, revolution, travel, war