About two weeks ago we journeyed up to Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, PA. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed our time together and learned a few things along the way. This is a mini trip report.

In the winter of 1776, General George Washington and his ragged army had experienced only defeat and despair. The War for Independence was going badly, with failure after failure.

As the harsh Pennsylvania winter set in, the morale of the American troops was at an all time low. The soldiers were forced to deal with both a lack of food and warm clothing, while Washington watched his army shrink due to desertions and expiring enlistments. Now, more than ever, a victory was needed.

The original plan called for three divisions to cross the river under the cover of darkness. Fully expecting to be supported by two divisions south of Trenton, Washington assembled his own troops near McConkey's Ferry in preparation for the crossing. By 6 P.M. on December 25, 2,400 troops had begun crossing the ice-choked river. The operation was slow and difficult due to the condition of the river. There was an abrupt change in the weather forcing the men to fight their way through sleet and a blinding snowstorm. These obstacles proved too much for the supporting division to the south.

Against all odds, Washington and his men successfully completed the crossing and marched into Trenton on the morning of December 26, achieving a resounding victory over the Hessians.

By moving ahead with his bold plan, General George Washington re-ignited the cause of freedom and gave new life to the American Revolution.

Completely restored home built circa 1817 and owned by one of the founders of Taylorsville. The earliest settlement at Washington's Crossing was known as Bakers Ferry, and by the time of the Revolution it had become McConkey's Ferry. In 1777 Samuel Baker sold a large tract of his holdings to Benjamin Taylor. In 1829 a post office was established and the name was again changed, this time to Taylorsville, in honor of the newly appointed postmaster.

Owned and operated by Mahlon K. Taylor beginning circa 1828. This was also the Post Office for Taylorsville, with Mahlon Taylor serving as Postmaster for almost 40 years. Recently restored, the Taylorsville Store is operated as a general store open to the public.


Greeter out in front of Taylorsville Store. Hmm, what's that in his hand?



Delicious, creamy-smooth hand-dipped ice cream.


After we enjoyed our ice cream we got in the car in search of one of Bucks County's 11 covered bridges (there were 12, but one burned down a few years ago and hasn't been rebuilt.) The Van Sant bridge is located by Bowman's Hill in Washington Crossing Historic Park.

The park is very big and we did not get to see everything. We hope to return soon.