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, and a Shropshire.
Hover over each sheep’s photo to see its name and description.
Alex (named after William Alexander) wears a black collar and 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 petted.
Cinderella, aka Cindy, is elusive. She has a uniform color with black face and legs. It can be difficult to get close to Cindy as she avoids humans if possible. She is alert and intelligent.
Hannah (named after Hannah Thompson) is a Leicester Longwool lamb who arrived at the park in August 2021.
Henry (named after Henry Knox) is the largest of the boys and is a gentle giant. His wool is thick and more wavy than curly, and he sports a blue collar.
Hugh (named after Hugh Mercer) is a Leicester Longwool lamb who arrived at the park in August 2021.
James (named after James Monroe) has fine, curly wool for a Leicester, and he loves to eat weeds. He’s very curious and wears a pink collar.
Jazzy is a Babydoll Southdown. She’s got a short, stocky frame and is standoffish with a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She doesn’t like humans and will stand her ground with the other sheep even though she’s small.
Knox (named after Henry Knox) is a Leicester Longwool lamb who arrived at the park in August 2021.
Lily has a similar appearance to Piper but is flightier. Lily and Piper generally stick together both in the barn and in the field. The spots on her face resemble a Tiger Lily.
Nathanael (named after Nathanael Greene) is a Leicester Longwool lamb who arrived at the park in August 2021.
Piper, a Dorset, 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. She’s Lily’s twin.
Sarah is the strong, silent type and the leader of the 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.
William (named after William Washington) is a real lady’s man. He’s smart but cautious and keeps his eye on everything happening around him.
John (named after John Simpson) is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead in spring 2022. He came to the park with his brother Robert in July of the same year. He is curious but cautious.
Robert (named after Robert Thompson) is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead in spring 2022. He came to the park with his brother John in July of the same year. He is sensitive and shy.
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.
