Christmas tradition returns to Washington Crossing Historic Park
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It has been 247 years since Gen. George Washington commanded thousands of troops on Christmas Day 1776 to cross the Delaware River to New Jersey, a daring risk that turned out to be a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
Once again this holiday season, a Bucks County tradition returns to commemorate the crossing.
The crossing reenactments is the highlight of the annual Christmas Day event that draws thousands of people to the banks of the river in Washington Crossing, and Titusville, New Jersey.
Here's what to know about this year's crossing events:
75th anniversary of reenacting George Washington crossing the Delaware
The reenactments will occur on Sunday, Dec. 10th and Monday, Dec. 25th at the Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32/River Road in Upper Makefield.
The annual reenactments draw upward of 10,000 spectators to the park to watch uniformed soldiers gather in 60-foot-long Durham boats to cross the Delaware, weather permitting.
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The first reenactment begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10th, with the actual crossing taking place from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
The Christmas Day Crossing reenactment festivities begins at noon, while the actual crossing commences at 1 p.m.
Aside from witnessing the crossing reenactment, attendees will join in colonial demonstrations with reenactment actors, and will be invited to participate in activities with a period baker and blacksmith.
Tickets to reenactment on Dec. 10 are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages five to 11, and free for children under five.
Tickets to the first reenactment are available for purchase online.
Admission to the Christmas Day reenactment is free, but it is suggested that attendees arrive by 11:30 a.m. for a good view.
U.S. Marine Jason Q. Bohm will narrate both reenactments.
Take our history quiz: A bit of trivia about Washington's epic crossing of the Delaware in 1776
About George Washington crossing the Delaware
Washington Crossing Historical Park is dedicated to Gen. George Washington and his troops who made the daring 1776 crossing of the Delaware River to wage three successful battles in the war, ending with the Battle of Princeton on Jan. 3, 1777, where Washington's troops emerged victorious.
Boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 18 cannons across the river during the original crossing.
Washington's troops marched eight miles downriver before battling Hessian mercenaries in the streets of Trenton.
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According to History.com, Washington crossed the Delaware River hoping to surprise Hessian forces who were celebrating Christmas at their quarters in Trenton. During the crossing, Washington had become separated from many of his troops.
The unconventional attack came after several months of defeats for Washington’s army which resulted in the loss of New York City and other strategic points.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Two reenactments of Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware set
