The Friends of Washington Crossing Park is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational programs and historic preservation efforts of Washington Crossing Historic Park, including the care of our heritage sheep at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. Your tax-deductible gift helps us promote the park’s legacy, preserve colonial-era buildings and artifacts, and maintain the integrity of this important historic site. We are deeply grateful for your generous support.
Why Your Support Matters
In addition to foraging 8-12 pounds of grass and plants every day, each sheep at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead needs supplies like hay, grain, and supplemental minerals. They also require veterinary care, medications, fresh straw bedding, and the attention and care of the farmstead’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Today, many historic breeds are at risk of extinction, and we proudly raise four of them here on the farm. Your sponsorship helps to ensure that these unique animals will continue to have a home here at the park.
With a one-time donation of $50, or a monthly donation in smaller increments, you can sponsor a sheep of your choice. Prefer to give a gift? Gift a “Sponsor a Sheep” gift certificate!
Meet Our Sheep
Washington Crossing Historic Park’s sheep are heritage breeds that predate modern-day industrial agriculture. The sheep raised in colonial America were mainly British breeds, which is what you’ll find at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. Most of our sheep are Leicester Longwools, a breed that General George Washington kept in his flock at Mount Vernon. These sheep have long, durable, lustrous wool. We also have two Dorsets, one Southdown, one Shetland, and one Hog Island.
Hover over each sheep’s photo below to see their name and story!
My name is Alex. I’m a Leicester Longwool, born in 2015 and named after someone called William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling (fancy right?). I love having my back scratched, and if you’re petting someone else, don’t be surprised if I butt right in. I like attention!
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a Leicester Longwool, named for Hannah Thompson. She was the wife of Robert Thompson and woman of the house during the 1776 encampment at our farm. I’ve been told I’m one of the more vocal sheep on the farm. Even though I’m the youngest ewe, the others seem to listen to me. My twin brother Hugh and I were both bottle raised, so we love humans!
Hello, I’m a Leicester Longwool and my name is Henry. I guess I’m named for General Henry Knox. The humans call me a gentle giant, because I’m friendly and chill. My wool is thick and greasy, but that doesn’t bother me. I just love relaxing in the shade after a good meal. I was born in 2015.
I’m Hugh, a Leicester Longwool born in 2021, named after General Hugh Mercer. Makes sense, since I’m pretty much the General at the farm… so don’t mess with me! I can be sweet if I want to, but I’ve got an attitude. I’ve got a pretty sweet mohawk too. If you don’t see me with the herd, I’m probably way out in the field foraging. My twin sister Hannah and I like going off to search for the tastiest leaves.
I’m Inky, a Shetland Ewe born in 2013. I used to live with my best friend Ellie May at a different farm. When Ellie May died of cancer in 2023, I felt very lonely, and I came here to the park to make some new friends and live with other sheep again. I like the sheep here, but I don’t really trust the humans. I always keep my eyes and ears open. You can never be too careful!
Hello, I’m James. I was born in 2015. I am a Leicester Longwool named after President James Monroe, who stayed here as a young man. I’m a distinguished leader just like my namesake. I’m proud of my fine, curly wool, and I love to seek out the finest grass in the pasture. I get along well with the humans, but I have to be a bit domineering with the other sheep. It’s tough being the boss!
I’m John and I’m a Dorset mix sheep, born at Peter Wentz Farmstead in spring 2022. I came to the park with my brother Robert. I’m named for John Simpson, the man who built the original 1740 portion of the Farmhouse here. My brother and I are both black and brown, but you can recognize me by the crescent shaped white mark on my nose. We may be young, but we’re the tallest on the farm!
It’s me Knox, I’m the sheep with the locks! Two or three nice thick dreadlocks hang from my brow, my signature style. I’m a Leicester Longwool and I’m the second sheep named after Henry Knox. I came around these parts in August 2021 with my brother Nathanael and our buddies Hugh and Hannah. I’m known for my goofy side, and I enjoy running and leaping through the fields.
I’m a Leicester Longwool and I’m named after Major-General Nathanael Greene. I joined the flock in August 2021 along with my goofy brother Knox. I’m well known around here for being very friendly, and for eating almost anything offered to me. If you sponsor me, don’t forget to visit and bring me some treats! I’m the sheep with the bald spot on the top of my head.
I’m Robert, John’s brother. We’re both part Dorset, but don’t really know much else about our history. I’ve got more white patches than my brother, and I wear a neat little pompadour hairstyle. I’m also the rambunctious one, and I’m very proud of my jumping abilities. We came to the park in July of 2022. I’m named for Robert Thompson, the owner of the farm during the revolutionary war.
Hi, I’m Rusty! I’m a Hog Island sheep, a rare heritage breed descended from British sheep brought to Virginia in the 18th century. I was born in 2024 at George Washington’s Mt Vernon and lived in West Virginia and New Jersey before coming here. I’m very proud to be the first of my breed to live here at the park, and I already love it here!
I’m William. I’m one of the first Leicester Longwools to arrive at the park. My brothers and I were born at Willow Brook Farm in 2015. I’m named after William Washington. They say he was George’s cousin that actually slept here on the property. I’m pretty smart, and I always keep an eye on everything happening around here. If you’d like to meet me, look for my long bangs and, dare I say, distinguished.
Want to meet the sheep in person before choosing your favorite? Contact Ross Heutmaker at RHeutmaker@FriendsWCP.org or (215) 493-4076.
The official registration and financial information of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charity/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.
This website is owned and managed by the 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Friends of Washington Crossing Park · 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977 · (215) 493-4076
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