In addition to foraging 8-12 pounds of grass and plants every day, each sheep at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead needs supplies like hay, grain, and supplemental minerals. They also require veterinary care, medications, fresh straw bedding, and the attention and care of the park’s farmstead manager, Ross.
Washington Crossing Historic Park’s sheep are heritage breeds that predate modern-day industrial agriculture. The sheep raised in colonial America were mainly British breeds, which is what you’ll find at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. Most of our sheep are Leicester Longwools, a breed that Washington kept in his flock at Mount Vernon. These sheep have long, durable, lustrous wool. We also have three Dorsets, one Southdown, and one Shetland. Today, many historic breeds are at risk of extinction. Your sponsorship helps to ensure that these unique animals will continue to have a home here at the park.
Hover over each sheep’s photo to see its name and description.
Leicester Alex was born in 2015 and is named after William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling. He is both funny and friendly. He’s the first to food, likes having his back scratched, and frequently butts in if one of the other sheep is being pet.
Leicester Hannah is named for Hannah Thompson, wife of Robert Thompson. She is one of the more vocal sheep on the farm, and is often heard calling out to the others. She is Hugh’s twin sister, and our youngest ewe, born in 2021.
Henry is a Leicester, named for Henry Knox. He is a gentle giant, friendly and chill. His wool is thick and greasy. He enjoys relaxing in the shade after a good meal. He was born in 2015
Hugh is a Leicester born in 2021 and named for Hugh Mercer. He is Hannah’s twin brother. He is quite adventurous and always goes out farther to forage than the rest.
James is a Leicester named after James Monroe. He has fine, curly wool, and he loves to eat weeds. He’s very curious toward humans, but can be domineering with the other sheep. He was born in 2015.
Jazzy has a short, stocky frame typical of the Baby Doll Southdown breed. She can be standoffish, with a bit of a chip on her shoulder. She will often stomp to stand her ground when approached. Born in 2012, she is our eldest sheep.
Knox is a Leicester named after Henry Knox. He joined the flock in August 2021. He is Nathanael’s brother. Knox has a goofy side and enjoys running and leaping through the fields. He can be identified by the thick dreadlocks hanging from his brow.
Nathanael is a Leicester named for Major-General Nathanael Greene. He joined the flock in August 2021. He is Knox’s brother. He is very friendly and is known for eating almost anything offered to him. He can be identified by the bald spot on the top of his head.
William is a Leicester Longwool named after William Washington (George’s cousin). He’s smart but cautious and always keeps his eye on everything happening around him. He can be identified by his long bangs and distinguished stature. He was born at Willow Brook Farm in 2015.
John is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead in spring 2022. He came to the park with his brother Robert in July of the same year. He is named for John Simpson, the man who built the original 1740 portion of the Thompson Neely Farmhouse, and established one of the first mills on the property. John is black and brown with a crescent shaped white mark on his nose. He is curious but cautious.
Robert is a Dorset mix sheep born at Peter Wentz Farmstead in spring 2022. He came to the park with his brother John in July of the same year. He is named for Robert Thompson, the owner and operator of the Thompson Neely Mill and Farm during the revolutionary war period. Robert is black and brown, with a white stripe down his nose and a large white patch on one of his back legs. He is flighty and quite rambunctious.
Inky is a Shetland Ewe born in 2013. She previously lived at a private farm with her best friend, another Ewe named Ellie May. When Ellie May died of cancer in 2023, Inky became very lonely, and came to the park to make some new friends and live with other sheep again. She is very cautious and alert. She can be recognized by her short and skinny stature, black face, and her fluffy coat of brown and tan wool.
Sponsor a Sheep
To sponsor a sheep, select the sheep you’d like to support and choose the number of weeks you’d like to support him or her.
Sponsorship is $50 per sheep per month. All donors will receive a personal thank-you note from your sheep.
The official registration and financial information of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charity/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.
