Washington Crossing State Park in Hopewell Township will be awarded a $7,533,460.50 grant by the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund for a new state-of-the-art visitors center, announced Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). The visitors center will be completed near the site of General George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River in time for America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
“George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas 1776 and subsequent surprise attack on Hessian forces in Trenton was a crucial moment in our nation’s fight for independence,” said Watson Coleman. “As we prepare for the SemiQuincentennial in 2026, this visitor center will help countless Americans learn about the uniquely important role New Jersey played in the birth of our nation.”
For more MercerMe coverage: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recently unveiled its plans via Facebook to begin construction of a new $14 million Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center. Starting in late February, this project is one of several the State Park Service is undertaking in preparation for the United States’ Semiquincentennial Anniversary, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 2026. See New Visitor Center breaking ground at Washington Crossing State Park
“On behalf of RevolutionNJ, I am delighted to see this major grant awarded to help build the new Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center,” said Carrie Fellows, Executive Director of Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. “This nationally significant site, where on December 25, 1776, General George Washington and his army landed in New Jersey after having stealthily crossed the ice-choked Delaware River, is one of the jewels of New Jersey’s state park system and marks a major turning point in the American War for Independence.”
“New Jersey’s role in this crucial turning point in the American Revolution is a story RevolutionNJ is excited to share with residents and visitors,” said Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “The new Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center will play an essential role in engaging the public with this important history and is a compelling new addition to New Jersey’s heritage tourism offerings. RevolutionNJ looks forward to partnering with our colleagues who will operate the new Visitor Center and the Friends of Washington Crossing State Park to create a memorable 250th experience for all.”
A joint project, another $7.5 million for the center will be provided by the State of New Jersey with funds from the American Rescue Plan. The existing Center, built in 1976 for the country’s BiCentennial, will remain in use until the new facility is completed.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman is a Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the America 250 Caucus which was founded in 2020 to assist in the planning of congressional activities surrounding America’s semiquincentennial commemorationin 2026. She also serves as a commissioner on the America250 Commission.
