Skip to main content
Historic Site

McConkey Ferry Inn

McConkey Ferry Inn - Quick Facts
HSP Category Building
Construction Original wooden frame structure, now stone
No. Stories Three
Notable Features Original basement kitchen, built c. 1752. Current structure built in three phases: 1785-1790; 1817-1824; 1837
Original Use Ferry house and tavern
Present Use Historic building and museum for historical education and interpretation

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

On the evening of December 25, 1776 and against all odds, General George Washington led 2,400 troops of the Continental Army across the ice-choked Delaware River during a severe snow storm. Following the crossing, the army marched to Trenton to attack a Hessian outpost. This Battle of Trenton was the first significant battlefield victory for the Continental Army and was followed in quick succession by victories in the Battle of Princeton and the 2nd Battle of Trenton, giving renewed hope to the cause of freedom. The McConkey ferry was used by Washington's army to transport artillery, carriages, and horses across the rivers. General Washington and his aides ate dinner at the tavern next to the ferry, now known as the McConkey Ferry Inn. While there, Washington made plans for the crossing and penned a letter to Colonel Cadwallader, writing, "I am determined as the night is favorable to cross the river and make the attack upon Trenton in the morning." Following the battle, the army returned to the McConkey ferry and tavern with Hessian prisoners. 

 

Form submitted by Washington Crossing Chapter NSDAR, Pennsylvania - January 26, 2018 - posted October 23, 2018 by Peggy V

 

 

HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS

  • National Register of Historic Places
  • State Historical Commission
  • National Historic Landmark (Washington Crossing Historic Park) 

FUNDING

The property is owned and maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Washington Crossing Chapter NSDAR provides funding and volunteers for historic interpretation and education

PHYSICAL CONDITION

  • Preserve

TOURIST INFORMATION

  • Open to the public - Yes
  • Family friendly - Yes
  • Hours of Operation - April 1 to Dec 31 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week; Jan 2 to Mar 31, Sat and Sun only - Admission fee- $6.00 - children under 6 are free
  • Brochures available - Yes
  • Website link - https://www.washingtoncrossingpark.org

 

 

Select a State to Explore our Historic Properties

Directions and application forms can be found on this page or in the Forms section of the DAR members' website.

[ { "id": "context_mapping", "url": "" } , { "id": "US-AL", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/AL" } , { "id": "US-AK", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/AK" } , { "id": "US-AZ", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/AZ" } , { "id": "US-AR", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/AR" } , { "id": "US-CA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/CA" } , { "id": "US-CO", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/CO" } , { "id": "US-CT", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/CT" } , { "id": "US-DE", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/DE" } , { "id": "US-FL", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/FL" } , { "id": "US-GA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/GA" } , { "id": "US-HI", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/HI" } , { "id": "US-ID", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/ID" } , { "id": "US-IL", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/IL" } , { "id": "US-IN", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/IN" } , { "id": "US-IA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/IA" } , { "id": "US-KS", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/KS" } , { "id": "US-KY", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/KY" } , { "id": "US-LA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/LA" } , { "id": "US-ME", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/ME" } , { "id": "US-MD", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MD" } , { "id": "US-MA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MA" } , { "id": "US-MI", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MI" } , { "id": "US-MN", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MN" } , { "id": "US-MS", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MS" } , { "id": "US-MO", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MO" } , { "id": "US-MT", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/MT" } , { "id": "US-NE", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NE" } , { "id": "US-NV", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NV" } , { "id": "US-NH", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NH" } , { "id": "US-NJ", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NJ" } , { "id": "US-NM", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NM" } , { "id": "US-NY", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NY" } , { "id": "US-NC", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/NC" } , { "id": "US-ND", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/ND" } , { "id": "US-OH", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/OH" } , { "id": "US-OK", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/OK" } , { "id": "US-OR", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/OR" } , { "id": "US-PA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/PA" } , { "id": "US-RI", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/RI" } , { "id": "US-SC", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/SC" } , { "id": "US-SD", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/SD" } , { "id": "US-TN", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/TN" } , { "id": "US-TX", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/TX" } , { "id": "US-UT", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/UT" } , { "id": "US-VT", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/VT" } , { "id": "US-VA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/VA" } , { "id": "US-WA", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/WA" } , { "id": "US-WV", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/WV" } , { "id": "US-WI", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/WI" } , { "id": "US-WY", "url": "/national-society/historic-sites-and-properties/state-site-list/WY" } ]