Book excerpt: The picturesque Hopewell Valley is one of New Jerseys finest treasures. Sprawled over more than sixty square miles, the valley encompasses the boroughs of Hopewell and Pennington, the village of Titusville, and the township of Hopewell. From Christmas night of 1776, when George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River, to the twentieth century and the saga of Charles Lindberghs missing infant son, Hopewell Valley has been steeped in history and drama. Rare images gathered from the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and local residents make up this monumental pictorial journey. Hopewell Valley combines the famous and not-so-famous elements of these communities nestled between the Delaware River and the Sourland Mountains. Home to key figures in American history, the Hopewell Valley has also seen important developments in architecture and industry. Although modernization has taken hold, the rural character of the area remains intact. And although the area has been home to well-known faces and events, Hopewell Valley is peppered with the lesser-known faces and places that bring out the full flavor.