In the dark days of the American Revolution, on December 8th, 1776, General George Washington and the American Continental Army barely escaped the British Army by crossing over the Delaware River from Trenton, New Jersey to Colvin's Ferry (present day Morrisville) in Pennsylvania.
From December 8 to December 14, Summerseat Mansion in Morrisville was General Washington's Headquarters. It is here that Washington faced the dilemma of having to protect Philadelphia along with the problem of his troops having their enlistments expire on December 31.
Upon reaching Summerseat, just a mile from New Jersey, and after having rested, George Washington made the decision to attack Trenton. Washington could not wait to take a defensive position until spring arrived and have his new army recruits hold on the British. This was the time to counterattack when the enemy least expected it. A bold attack on Trenton was planned at Summerseat. Washington gave the order to secure all boats on the Pennsylvania side of the river. He wrote 20 letters and directed military operations while at Summerseat. From plans made at Summerseat, the famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night December 25 took place nine miles north at McConkey’s Ferry (present day Washington Crossing).
The surprise American attack on Trenton the morning of December 26 was successful in defeating 1,500 Hessians fighting for the British.
National encouragement gained from this American victory at the Battle of Trenton and subsequent victories during the following “10 Crucial Days” were pivotal in changing the course of history.
2025 Upcoming Events at Summerseat in Morrisville:
First Saturday Open House - September 6, October 4, November 1 Benedict Arnold Presentation - October 5
Summerseat Ghost Tour - October 18
Summerseat Remembers - December 6
For more information on Historic Summerseat in Morrisville, visit their website at historicsummerseat.com or see their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/summerseatbuckscounty.
