This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250PA GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
Thompson-Neely House
In December 1776, thousands of Continental soldiers camped in the frozen farms, fields, and forests of rural Bucks County. The home of miller, Robert Thompson, and his son-in-law, William Neely, served as housing for officers and their servants. The grounds were used by camping soldiers, some of whom were ill, and to bury the dead.
The army was unwelcome in many parts of the county. While some millers refused to accept Continental money to grind grain for the hungry army, Robert Thompson likely embraced the patriotic cause and provided the army with much needed flour from his mill. With the harsh winter weather setting in, the morale of the troops sank to an all-time low. Soldiers were forced to cope with minimal food and clothing supplies while Washington watched his army shrink due to desertion, illness, and expiring enlistments. Anxious to drive the British from New Jersey and to protect Philadelphia, he formulated a plan to cross the Delaware River and attack Hessian troops in Trenton.
On December 25 Washington ordered the army to leave their encampments and assemble at McConkey’s Ferry. As a winter storm began to cover the region with sleet and snow, the army began crossing the ice-choked river at sundown. Against all odds, Washington and his men completed their crossing, marched to Trenton, and achieved a resounding victory over the Hessians.
For more information about this state park and its amenities, please visit the website: Washington Crossing Historic Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: Kim McCarty, photos taken at the Thompson-Neely House