BOWMAN'S HILL

Bucks County boasts many scenic spots, but there’s only one place to get an above-the-trees, bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside and Delaware River. Rising 183 feet in the air atop Bowman’s Hill and offering a 14-mile view on a clear day, Bowman’s Hill Tower is a favorite stop, and before the weather turned rainy yesterday, I decided to go finally to see it. I've been before, but never ventured to the top. I said to the top, not a top!!!

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Tower is that it existed during General George Washington’s day. In reality, it was built of local field stone in 1929-31 to commemorate what was probably the lookout point for Washington’s troops to watch for enemy activity on the Delaware River. Bowman's Hill is part of the Washington Crossing Park, which I did post on here and here.

Construction of the Tower took nearly two years to complete. More than 2,400 tons of materials were used, including perches of native stone from the hill and nearby stone fences, cut stone from local quarries, 517 tons of sand and 225 tons of cement. Workers excavated 15-feet deep so that the 24–foot-squared base would rest on a bedrock foundation.  Soon after the tower’s construction, workers planted 28,300 seedlings in the area to reforest the hill like people thought it would have been in Washington’s time. Some of those seedlings have become today’s towering trees on Bowman’s Hill. Due to the Tower’s height, lightning strikes were an ongoing problem. To improve safety and eliminate damage to the Tower, the National Lightning Protection Company of St. Louis, installed a protection system on the building. 

 There is an elevator that takes visitors three-quarters of the way to the top, bypassing the complete spiral staircase, although it's not currently working, so yours truly climbed the whole thing.... the last 23 steps become a extremely narrow spiral staircase to reach the outside observation deck. 

The more narrow staircase......

But it was all worth it.....I felt just like Rapunzel.

Looking toward Philly.....

Looking toward Yardley....

Looking toward New Hope and Lambertville

This shot would be looking directly East toward Nj, where Washington crossed the Delaware. There is a flag in the middle of the picture slightly off to the left.

Has Trump read the last part?!?!?

After leaving the tower, might I add, very steep drive down the road with no rails.... with the rainy mist and chill, I decide to visit the Bowman's Tavern for some fuel and pints.

Even ran into the lovely town grande dame of the transgender community and rights, Elizabeth, in one of her eye-popping day looks. She is always dressed to the t and is a true lady....had some lovely conversation.

Is it any wonder I love this area so much?

💋