Restoration of the Historic Thompson-Neely Kitchen Garden
Friends of Washington Crossing Park is investing in the expansion of our outdoor living history spaces through the rehabilitation of the Historic Thompson-Neely Kitchen Garden. This garden offers visitors an immersive look at 18th century horticulture, showcasing the plants, layouts, and typical uses for a kitchen garden on an American homestead in 1776. Guided by historical research, the garden’s plants and design reflect the daily lives and survival strategies of American colonists during the Revolution. Visitors will learn about the traditional uses of these plants, why certain native species were adopted or avoided, and how early Americans sustained themselves. Changes to the garden include a new, taller fence with an expanded footprint, new gravel pathways, soil remediation, and numerous perennial and annual plantings.
The rehabilitation of this garden is part of a larger effort to enhance the interpretation of the Thompson-Neely Farmstead, which served as an encampment site for Washington’s troops before the Christmas Night Crossing in 1776. The kitchen garden will complement capital renovations to the Thompson-Neely Grist Mill in preparation for its reopening, as well as new exhibits at the Thompson-Neely House, which reopened in spring 2025.
Estimated Completion: Fall 2026
In support of 2026 projects enhancements like this!
Thank you to the supporters of this project!
Preserving Partner ($25,000+)
Colonel Level Supporter ($5,000+)
