For years, history buffs and those with a curious mind have been able to relive the Revolution by witnessing reenactments of Washington’s Crossing.
On Dec. 25, 1776, General George Washington ordered his troops to gather at McKonkey’s Ferry on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. Shortly after, a group of boats transported troops and artillery equipment across the ice-filled river to New Jersey.
In 2024, locals will have two different opportunities to experience these events firsthand on Dec. 8 and Dec. 25. The event features a speech from General Washington, a replica demonstration of the crossing, hundreds of reenactors in full Continental Army uniform, activities, games and more.
The first crossing on Sunday, Dec. 8 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m., actual crossing at 1 p.m.) features a bevy of activities. Bread samples from a period baker will be on site, soldiers will show off preparation drills, fife and drum corps will perform, cannons will be fired, blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft, and colonial-era games will be in full swing.
The event this weekend will also feature guest narrator Charles R. Bowry, Jr. (Executive Director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History) and a book signing with author Jason A. Cherry, who wrote ‘William Trent: The Factor of Ambition.’
As a release notes, Members of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park can receive passes to a heated members-only tent with refreshments as well. Admission for the Dec. 8 event is $9 for adults, $5 for children aged 5-11, and free for children under 5. A special family package is also available for $25 (two adults, two children). Tickets can be purchased
in advance at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us. Proceeds from this event enable the Historic Park to offer the second Christmas Day Crossing reenactment free of charge.
Speaking of the second activation, the 72nd annual Christmas Day Crossing will take place from noon to 3 p.m. (actual crossing at 1 p.m.). Arrival by 11:30 a.m. is recommended to secure a good view to this free event. As a release notes, both River Crossings are contingent upon safe weather conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, guests can still participate in historic ceremonies, speeches, and commemorative colonial-era activities.
To find out more information on Washington’s Crossing (taking place at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32 River Road in Bucks County), visit washingtoncrossingpark.org
