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 loving attention of the park’s farmstead manager, Ross.
Most of Washington Crossing Historic Park’s sheep are heritage breeds that were raised for centuries before modern-day industrial agriculture. Breeds were cultivated over time to keep the animals well-adjusted to their environments.
The sheep raised in colonial America were mainly British breeds, which is what you’ll find at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. Five are Leicester Longwools, a breed that Washington kept in his flock at Mount Vernon. These sheep have long, durable, lustrous wool. The other sheep are Dorsets, a Cotswold, a Babydoll Southdown, a Shropshire, and a Shetland.
Hover over each sheep’s photo to see its name and description.
Leicester Alex was born in 2015 and is named after William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling. He is both funny and friendly. He’s the first to food, likes having his back scratched, and frequently butts in if one of the other sheep is being pet.
Born in 2011, Cindy is our eldest ewe, and our only dark colored Leicester Longwool. She has a uniform color with black face and legs, though her wool becomes brown with sun exposure. It can be difficult to get close to Cindy as she’s elusive and avoids humans if possible. She is alert and intelligent.
Leicester Hannah is named for Hannah Thompson, wife of Robert Thompson. She is one of the more vocal sheep on the farm, and is often heard calling out to the others. She is Hugh’s twin sister, and our youngest ewe, born in 2021.
Henry is a Leicester, named for Henry Knox. He is a gentle giant, friendly and chill. His wool is thick and more wavy than curly. He enjoys relaxing in the shade after a good meal. He was born in 2015.
Hugh is a Leicester born in 2021 and named after Hugh Mercer. He is Hannah’s twin brother. He is adventurous and always goes out farther to forage than the rest. He is the most frequent escapee on the farm.
James is a Leicester named after James Monroe. He has fine, curly wool, and he loves to eat weeds. He’s very curious toward humans, and can be domineering with the other sheep. He was born in 2015.
Jazzy has a short, stocky frame typical of the Baby Doll Southdown breed. She can be standoffish with a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She will stand her ground with the other sheep even though she’s small. Born in 2012, she is our second oldest sheep.
Knox is a Leicester named after Henry Knox. He joined the flock in August 2021. He is Nathanael’s brother. Knox has a goofy side and enjoys running and leaping through the fields. He sports some fine dreadlocks.
Dorset Lily is twin sister to Piper, and always looks out for her sister. The dark spots on her face resemble a Tiger Lily. She is very sweet and often greets visitors with an inquiring look. The twins were born in 2013 and came to the park from the Daniel Boone Homestead in 2019.
Nathanael is a Leicester named for Major-General Nathanael Greene. He joined the flock in August 2021. He is Knox’s brother. He is very friendly and is known for eating almost anything offered to him. He can be identified by the tuft of wool on the tip of his tail.
Piper is a Dorset, and Lily’s twin sister. She has a ginger tint to her wool with orange markings that look like freckles on her face. She’s friendly and laid-back but can sometimes be pushy. The twins were born in 2013 and came to the park from the Daniel Boone Homestead in 2019.
Sarah is the strong, silent type and the leader of our Dorset girls. Although she rarely makes a sound, her girlfriends follow her wherever she goes. She’s got intelligent eyes and gray speckles on her face. She was born in 2013 and came to the park in 2019.
William is a Leicester Longwool named after William Washington (George’s cousin). He is a real lady’s man and particularly fond of Piper. He’s smart but cautious and always keeps his eye on everything happening around him. He can be identified by his long bangs and distinguished stature. He was born at Willow Brook Farm in 2015.
John is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead. He came to the park with his brother Robert in July 2022. He is named for John Simpson, the man who built the original 1740 portion of the Thompson Neely Farmhouse, and established one of the first mills on the property. John is black and brown with a crescent shaped white mark on his nose. He is curious but cautious.
Robert is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead. He came to the park with his brother John in July 2022. He is named for Robert Thompson, the owner and operator of the Thompson Neely Mill and Farm during the revolutionary war period. Robert is black and brown, with a white stripe down his nose and a large white patch on on of his back legs. He is sensitive and shy.
Inky is a Shetland Ewe born in 2013. She came from a private farm to the Thompson-Neely Farmstead in August 2023 to live with other sheep again after her best friend, another Ewe named Ellie May, died of cancer. She can be recognized by her short and skinny stature, black face, and her fluffy coat of brown and tan wool. She is very cautious and alert.
Sponsor a Sheep
To sponsor a sheep, select the sheep you’d like to support and choose the number of weeks you’d like to support him or her.
Sponsorship is $50 per sheep per week. All donors will receive a personal thank-you note from your sheep.
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.
