The History of New Hope, PA

When visiting River House at Odette’s, guests are often fascinated by the history of the surrounding Bucks County community. Located along the route of Old York Road, New Hope is a year-round destination offering a wide selection of music, art, and history-related experiences. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of recreational activities as well as dining options, wineries, antique stores, and Delaware River hotels such as the luxurious new River House at Odette’s.

Read on for a brief history of New Hope, PA, and all that this quaint area has to offer.

The Origins of New Hope

Nearly 10,000 years ago, the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans made their way along the Delaware River in search of land, forests, and water, with many settling in what is now known as New Hope, PA. Much later, during the early part of the 18th century, New Hope was established when a man by the name of William Penn approved a sale of land to Robert Heath to build a mill and form a village.

The Revolutionary War 

New Hope was exposed to increased exposure during the American Revolutionary War when General George Washington marched through the town, spending the night there with his troops to prepare for the Battle of Trenton, where he defeated the Hessian forces. Today, you can visit the Revolutionary War sites where these events took place, including the Washington Crossing State Park, and trek to other nearby historical sites in Mount Airy, Hopewell Borough, Cranbury, and Englishtown.

Transportation Hub

Due to its prime location on the banks of the Delaware River, New Hope has been a significant transportation hub for nearly all time. From the time that the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans settled it, the quaint town has served as a stopover for stagecoaches, canal boats, trains, trolleys, and automobiles journeying to and from New York. The adjacent 60-mile long Delaware Canal was also used to transport coal and lumber, with as many as 100 barges passing through each day. An interesting fact, the footprint where River House at Odette’s now stands was originally home to an overnight stop for those workmen transporting materials down the rolling river.

Tourism and Modern-Day New Hope 

New Hope remains an active community and tourist destination, home to dozens of art galleries, antique shops, museums, historic buildings, luxury-lifestyle hotels, and meeting venues. It’s a beautiful place to explore whether you’re visiting for a corporate retreat, family vacation, romantic getaway, posh wedding, or special event with amazing new experiences debuting regularly, including River House at Odette’s, as well as a farm-to-table restaurant, market, and brewery.

Are you planning a visit to New Hope, PA? Be sure to book your stay at our luxury-lifestyle hotel in Pennsylvania for a trendy yet historical experience along the Delaware River. Book your stay online or call (215) 682-2022.