Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) announced the awarding of a $7,533,460.50 grant by the National Park Service for the deteriorated Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center in Hopewell Township, NJ. The new state-of-the-art 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.”
“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 commemoration in 2026. She also serves as a commissioner on the America250 Commission.
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Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman recently announced a significant $7.5 million grant that will be allocated towards the replacement of the aging Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center in New Jersey. The funding, which was secured through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, will allow for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art visitor center that will better serve the needs of park visitors and enhance their overall experience.
The current visitor center at Washington Crossing State Park is over 50 years old and is in need of major renovations and upgrades. The building lacks modern amenities and does not meet current accessibility standards, making it difficult for all visitors to fully enjoy and appreciate the park’s offerings. With the new funding in place, plans are now underway to design and construct a new visitor center that will provide improved facilities, educational resources, and interpretive exhibits for park visitors.
The replacement of the aging visitor center is a crucial step in preserving and enhancing the historic significance of Washington Crossing State Park. The park is known for its rich history, as it was the site where General George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. By investing in a new visitor center, the park will be able to better educate visitors about this important moment in American history and provide a more engaging and immersive experience for all who visit.
In addition to improving the visitor experience, the construction of a new visitor center will also have positive economic impacts on the surrounding community. The park attracts thousands of visitors each year, who contribute to the local economy through spending on lodging, dining, and other services. A new and improved visitor center will likely attract even more visitors to the park, further boosting economic activity in the area.
Overall, the $7.5 million grant for the replacement of the Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center is a significant investment in preserving our nation’s history and enhancing the visitor experience at this important historic site. With construction set to begin in the near future, park visitors can look forward to a more engaging and informative experience when they visit Washington Crossing State Park in the years to come.