Bowman's Hill Tower, located within Washington Crossing Historic Park in Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was built between 1929 and 1931. Although it's often thought to be from the Revolutionary War period, it was actually constructed as a memorial to commemorate George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. The tower was designed by architect G. Edwin Brumbaugh and was made with over 2,400 short tons of materials, including local stone, sand, and cement from nearby sources.
Standing at 125 feet tall with a 24-foot square base, Bowman's Tower features Gothic detailing and was one of Brumbaugh's early restoration projects. Initially, visitors had to ascend via a spiral staircase, but an elevator was later added in the 1980s, with the last 23 steps still needed to reach the observation deck.
The name "Bowman" has roots in several legends and historical figures. It might refer to Thomas Bowman, an English merchant from the 17th century, or John Bowman, linked either to Jonathan Pidcock, the area's first settler, or to pirate lore involving Captain Kidd. The hill itself is also associated with tales of buried treasure, adding to its historical mystique.
The tower saw significant restoration in the 1980s, including the addition of an elevator. It had been hit by lightning multiple times, prompting the installation of a lightning protection system in 1934. The surrounding area was also reforested in the 1930s, with thousands of seedlings planted by the Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration.
Today, the Tower is open for public viewing, offering breathtaking views as far as 14 miles away on clear days. It's part of the broader Washington Crossing Park, which includes other historical sites. Admission is managed with tickets, and it's particularly popular during the fall for its scenic views of the foliage.
† Wikipedia creative commons photo credits — (left) wikipedia username Drums800, 2018, cc-4.0; (right) view from tower, wikipedia username James Welsh, 2012, cc-3.0. Accessed December, 2024.
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