What to Know
- People gathered on both sides of the Delaware River to watch an annual Christmas Day reenactment of George Washington’s 1776 crossing.
- Historical reenactors set out in boats to retrace the daring 1776 voyage of Washington and his Revolutionary troops.
- Other activities at the annual event include reenactments of Washington’s address to his troops, historical speeches and processions, and staffers in period clothing providing public interpretation.
People gathered on both sides of the Delaware River to watch an annual Christmas Day reenactment of George Washington’s 1776 crossing.
In years past, thousands have often gathered every Christmas morning on the banks of the river in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and Titusville, New Jersey, to watch historical reenactors set out in boats to retrace the daring 1776 voyage of Washington and his troops.
The 71st annual reenactment was set to start after noon on the Pennsylvania side, according to organizers. Admission was free.
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Weather sometimes puts a damper on the actual crossing. However, other activities at the annual event include reenactments of Washington’s address to his troops, historical speeches and processions, and staffers in period clothing providing public interpretation.
In the original crossing, boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 18 cannons across the river. Washington’s troops marched 8 miles downriver before battling Hessian mercenaries in the streets of Trenton. Several Hessians were killed, and two Continental soldiers froze to death on the march.
Click here for more history about Washington's crossing.
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