Mercer Gets $7.5M To Build New Washington Crossing Visitor Center

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The National Park Service has given the deteriorated Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center in Hopewell a grant of $7,533,460.50.

The announcement was made by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.

The funds will go towards building a new state-of-the-art visitors center which 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,” Watson Coleman said.

“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.”

A joint project, another $7.5 million for the center will be provided by 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.

“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.”

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 around America's semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026.

She also serves as a commissioner on the America250 Commission.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com