New Hope, formerly known as Coryell's Ferry, is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The borough is located at the confluence of the Delaware River and Aquetong Creek, which begins its two-mile course in neighboring Solebury Township at Ingham Springs, the most productive spring in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The name "Aquetong" comes from a local Indian word meaning "place of the pine trees," while "Ingham" refers to Samuel D. Ingham, an industrialist, congressman and advocate of the canal that would run through the town. Near its end in New Hope, the creek forms a scenic millpond and waterfall near the Bucks County Playhouse, a former mill. 

History 

New Hope, Pennsylvania lies on rolling hills that climb from the west bank of the Delaware River about thirty-five miles north of Philadelphia. 

Originally the land of the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, it became a part of Penn’s Woods in the seventeenth century. A thousand acres of land covering present day New Hope were given to William Penn by King Charles II of England as payment of a debt owed to Penn’s father.  Robert Heath obtained the land from Penn’s brother-in-law and settled here around 1700. He established the first of many mills to come. 

John Wells purchased part of the land from Heath’s family and established a ferry service here in 1722 to accommodate travelers on the Old York Road which stretched from Philadelphia to New York City. New Hope was the half way point of the journey. 

A few years later the Logan Inn, originally the Ferry Tavern was built, serving as a way station for weary travelers after a hard day’s ride in either coach or saddle. 

The town’s first name was Well’s Ferry after John Wells, the first Ferry operator. Then a generation later it became Canby’s Ferry, named for Benjamin Canby who purchased the Ferry from Wells. Some years later the town became known as Coryell’s Ferry. It was name after the operator of the Ferry, John Coryell. 

It was not far from here that, on the blustery night of December 25, 1776, George Washington and his men were piloted across the Delaware River by the men of Marblehead, surprising the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey. Then in June, 1778 Washington led nearly 10,000 troops through Coryell’s Ferry on his way from Valley Forge to the Battle of Monmouth. 

The Delaware Canal opened in 1832 providing an economic outlet for Bucks County. It brought growth and prosperity to the area. By the time of the American Civil War nearly 3,000 boats traveled on the canal each year. Although the railroads hastened the demise of the canal operations, it was still used commercially until 1931. Today, one may still enjoy a leisurely ride down the canal powered as in the old days by a brace of mules which walk the old tree-covered tow path that runs parallel to the canal. 

After receiving its name from three ferry operators in three successive generations, New Hope was finally incorporated in 1837. And it came about in an unfortunate way. Benjamin Parry, who is considered by many to be the “father of New Hope” because he was a driving force that brought New Hope to the pinnacle of its economic success in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, purchased the mill that was located on what is now the south side of the Bucks County Playhouse. He expanded the flour mill operations to include a flax mill and saw mill. 

Then, with his partners, including Samuel Ingham, a three-term congressman and eventually the treasurer of the United States under Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Parry led the group that built the first bridge to New Jersey from New Hope, established the first New Hope bank and helped to finance the construction of the Delaware Canal through town. 

Parry’s mills burned to the ground in 1790 creasing severed economic hardship for the area. Undaunted he rebuilt the mills in about one year, naming them “New Hope Mills”. Following the disaster and the renaming of the mills, the town became known as New Hope. 

In 1891 the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad began providing a speedier mode of transportation. It now provides a delightful fourteen mile, scenic round trip to Ivyland for residents and visitors alike. 

There are thirteen picturesque covered bridges in Bucks County; some of them are just a few miles from New Hope. More than one hundred buildings in New Hope are over one hundred year old and many of the original buildings from the mid-1700’s have been preserved. 

Benjamin Parry’s eighteenth century Georgian style mansion in the center of town on South Main Street is still the jewel of New Hope. Owned and maintained by the New Hope Historical Society since 1966 it is open to the public for tours and it is the focal point of many community activities. 

Location 

The town of New Hope, Pa. is located on the west bank of the scenic Delaware River between New York City and Philadelphia. Close to Washington's Crossing and many other Revolutionary War sites, New Hope is steeped in history. New Hope is also recognized as a flourishing arts community established in the 20th Century. 

Education 

The Council Rock School District encompasses New Hope Borough. The Council Rock School District displays within its boundaries an intriguing blend of history and progress. Located in Bucks County - a county known for its scenic beauty, historical events and celebrated residents - the school district is just north of Philadelphia and only an hour by automobile or train from New York City.  

Colleges in the area include Bucks County Community College and Delaware Valley College. 

Things To Do With Kids 

Camping at Ringing Rocks Family Campground 

Everybody needs to go camping for a couple of days occasionally; Ringing Rocks Family Campground in Pennsylvania is such a good place. All the good local attractions close at hand and the good variety of outdoors recreation will make you happy you came. Ringing Rocks Family Campground is a top choice with folks of Upper Black Eddy. 

Go apple picking at Solebury Orchards 

Solebury Orchards, located in the center of scenic Bucks County, grows peaches, apples, blueberries, raspberries and other fruits.  The farm is well known for its high quality fruits which are available from summer through winter at the Solebury Orchards Market.  Increasingly popular at the orchard is pick your own, where customers can enjoy themselves surrounded by beautiful fields of berries and orchards. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County 

See a movie, go to a museum, listen to music or make something with an adult mentor; you can talk about what's happening in your life and just have fun. 

Things To Do For Everyone 

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad 

Relax and leave your cares behind as you journey into history, learning what rail travel was like for your parents, grand parents and great-grand parents. Behold the continuously changing view as the train traverses through the rolling hills and valleys of historic Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 

Bucks County Playhouse 

The Bucks County Playhouse is a national landmark rich in theatrical history. The list of actors and actresses that have appeared at Bucks County Playhouse is impressive, including Grace Kelly, Robert Redford and Walter Matthau. 

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve 

The 134-acre Preserve features more than 800 species of native plants in a naturalistic setting, ready for you to discover. Enjoy picturesque woodlands, meadows, a pond and Pidcock Creek set amidst a changing collection of wildflowers, birds and wildlife.  

Parry Mansion 

Guided tours of this 18th century home illustrate the lifestyles of five generations of the Parry family.  Artwork and furnishings reflect 125 years of decorative change from 1775 to 1900. 

For Your Pets 

Terry the Dog Sitter
Reliable pet sitting service serving New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ areas 

Sports 

If you are interested in spectator sports, the Eagles, Phillies, Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers are less than an hour away. There is an excellent minor league baseball team and minor league hockey team in Trenton, New Jersey. Those games can be reached within 15 or 20 minutes and are very reasonably priced. 

Golf 

Jericho National Golf Club
Our location which is between New Hope and historic Washington Crossing is absolutely inspiring. Overlooking Jericho Mountain and the wooded hills of central Bucks County are the rolling fairways of Jericho National Golf Club. This championship golf course is considered one of the best in the area. 

Dom Di Julia School of Golf
We are capable of and committed to improving your performance on the golf course!  We are not simply out to make your swing look better on video. 

Restaurants 

Martine's Restaurantý
14 E Ferry St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-2966
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Marsha Brown's
15 S Main St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-7044ý 

Wildflowers Garden Restaurant
8 W Mechanic St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-2241
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Centre Bridge Inn
2998 N River Road, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-9139 

Havana Restaurant & Barý
105 S Main St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-9897ý 

90 Main Restaurant & Loungeý
90 South Main Street, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-3030ý 

Blue Tortilla Restaurant
18 N Main St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-5859ý 

Mothers Restaurant
34 N Main St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-5857ý 

Landingý
22 N Main St, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-5711ý 

Dilly's Cornerý
2998 River Road, New Hope, PAý - (215) 862-5333ý