PDF Where Washington Once Led: A History of New Jersey's Washington Crossing State Park by Peter Osborne in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Sense of HistoryBy Dogearred BookmarkerI think most people would readily agree that setting aside areas of natural beauty such as the National Parks so that we as well as future generations may enjoy them is a national priority. Far fewer; unfortunately; would agree that historical areas and buildings should be preserved and honored. These places are our "landmarks" where we tell our American story to our own generation and preserve it for generations to come. This book is about the Washington Crossing Park in New Jersey which honors one of the pivotal points in the American Revolution - Washington's surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton on December 26; 1776.This book is not about the attack itself. You can read about that in one of my all-time favorite history books - Washington's Crossing by David Hackett.This book is about how the park came to be. The story is full of quirks; characters and odd turns-of-events. It has been superbly researched and written by Peter Osborne who has a number of other historical publications to his credit. It is a lesson for all of us about how to guard the places and buildings which earlier generations have made historic by their actions. For this reason alone; the book is worth the time to read. Perhaps; more importantly; it is also the story about how the park evolved and was shaped by succeeding generations. A historical park is nothing if it does not tell its story afresh and invite people to share its story while enjoying the site which has been set aside. Peter captures the ongoing history of this park which continues to tell its story and involve people from far and near. Where Washington once led; we must now lead. This book will help us do it.One of those leaders is Bill Farkas who funded this project; to whom we are all indebted.