Rain, snow or shine, the reenactment of Washington’s Crossing takes place every Christmas. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk talks to folks that came out for the first time this year thanks to some warm weather.
George Washington and his troops made their annual Christmas Day trip across the fog-covered Delaware River.
The re-enactors crossed the river between Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a 65-degree day Friday, considerably warmer than the actual crossing, which took place on an ice-choked river during a snowstorm.
The annual Christmas tradition drew families and fans of history to both sides of the Delaware River for the 63rd annual re-enactment of Washington's daring 1776 crossing of the river — the trek that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War — between Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and Titusville, New Jersey.
John Godzieba portrayed Washington, leading troops in replica Durham boats across the river, where they were met with cries of "Hoozah!" and a canon blast as thousands of onlookers -- more than last year -- watched from dry land.
During 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.
Thirty Hessians were killed, and two Continental soldiers froze to death on the march.
