🌤 Weather at Johnson Ferry House by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–72 °F | 61–86 °F | 36–77 °F | 24–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Trenton Mercer Co Airport, 2 mi away, elevation 184 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
New Jersey’s Washington’s Crossing Landmark — Circa 1740 Colonial Farmhouse and Tavern, Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware Christmas 1776, Garret Johnson’s Ferry and 490-Acre Plantation, Period Furnished Museum, Living History Demonstrations, Washington Crossing State Park Titusville Mercer County New Jersey
Johnson Ferry House is a state historic site within Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville, Mercer County, New Jersey. This circa-1740 gambrel-roof farmhouse and colonial tavern is historically connected to one of the most famous events in American history — George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776. Built by Garret Johnson, who operated a 490-acre plantation and ferry service across the Delaware, the house likely served as a staging point for Washington and his officers during the surprise attack on Trenton. The site features period-furnished rooms depicting life from 1740 to 1770, an 18th-century kitchen garden, living history demonstrations of colonial farm and tavern life, guided tours interpreting the crossing and colonial culture, and connections to the broader Washington Crossing State Park.
Christmas Night 1776
On the night of December 25-26, 1776, General Washington led his 2,400 Continental soldiers across the ice-choked Delaware River in a desperate surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Johnson Ferry House, located at the New Jersey landing point, almost certainly played a role in this operation — Washington and his officers likely used both the ferry service and the house itself during the crossing. By 1776, the ferry was being managed by James Slack.
Colonial Life Museum
Today, the house operates as a historic museum furnished with period pieces from 1740 to 1770. Visitors experience the daily life of 18th-century colonists — farmers, homemakers, tavern keepers, and ferry operators. The grounds include a reconstructed 18th-century kitchen garden, and the site regularly hosts living history demonstrations that bring the colonial era to life. The house also has historical connections to the Great Awakening religious movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Washington actually in this house?
It is highly probable that Washington and his officers utilized the ferry service and house during the Christmas 1776 crossing of the Delaware.
Is this part of Washington Crossing State Park?
Yes, the Johnson Ferry House is located within Washington Crossing State Park and is included in the park’s historical interpretation programs.
Wildlife & Nature
Johnson Ferry House — at Washington Crossing SP — is the colonial farmhouse where George Washington may have eaten and planned before his famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776. Bald eagles fish the Delaware. Great blue herons stalk the riverbank.
Nearby Attractions
Washington Crossing SP — surrounding. Trenton — 8 miles south. Lambertville — 5 miles north. New Hope, PA — across the river.
More parks in New Jersey: Washington Crossing State Park and Trenton Battle Monument. See the full New Jersey state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Johnson Ferry House
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at Johnson Ferry House?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
