By John Tredrea
The Johnson Ferry House in Washington Crossing State Park, said to have been used by Gen. George Washington as a location to plan the Delaware River crossing that was a turning point in the Revolutionary War, was vandalized last week, said Sarah Major of the Washington Crossing Park Association.
“It’s very sad,” Ms. Major said.
“The house is such an important site in the history of our country. Bricks were thrown through four first-floor windows on the north side of the building, shattering glass and splintering wood frames.”
A garden near the house also was vandalized. Supports were thrown around and tulips, strawberries, cabbages and the seedlings of young plants were damaged.
Ms. Major, a longtime Titusville resident, said she and other members of her association have been frustrated by what she called a decline in the state government’s commitment to maintain the park.
“It’s a shame the Ferry House was damaged this close to Memorial Day,” she said. “Other areas of the park have been vandalized from time to time as well. It’s hard to understand why people do things like that.”
She said the association “works to raise awareness about the park and to do what we can to help the park.”
To find out more, go washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.
According to a website, the Johnson Ferry House is an 18th-century farmhouse and tavern near the Delaware River.
It was owned by Garret Johnson, who operated a 490-acre plantation and a ferry service across the Delaware.
It was likely used by Gen. (George) Washington and other officers at the time of the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware.
Several rooms are furnished with period pieces, and there is an 18th-century kitchen garden. On weekends, living history demonstrations are frequently held.
