On Christmas Day in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, approximately 100 patriots will re-enact George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. This annual memorial to the Christmas Night crossing of 1776 historically draws large crowds, and takes place regardless of inclement weather. In a war known for its many heroic deeds and acts of bravery, why does this specific moment merit such attention?
After the publication of his book 1776, historian David McCullough gave a speech at The Heritage Foundation in which he masterfully explained how Washington’s courageous actions that Christmas Night determined the fate of America. Click here to hear “America’s historian” speak about the lasting significance of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware 234 years ago.
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Thank you Gentlemen…My favorite part in David's book…the spirit of the revolution does live on! Merry Christmas!
I read of this in the paper, my gr-grgrgrgrgrandfather Andrew Mershon, had an Inn on the road to Trenton and as the troops landed they went to Andrews barn until all were crossed and they could make their way on to Trenton. I am a proud decedent as he not only put his life on the line but those of his family and an Inn(still standing) would have been burnt to the ground. I have visited this Inn (now a private home)several times as well as the landing site, where the Hessians were quartered etc. it reminds me and my family that the price we paid for our Freedom was very high. My late husbands family desends from a Hession who decided to take the oath of allegiange, history is wonderful.
Could you please tell me where I can get a large colored print of Washington 's
Christmas day crossing of the Deleware?
Thank you.
The Christmas Day event is re-enacted at a place called Washington Crossing in the township of Upper Makefield, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
As a Brit, I am always amazed at how badly Americans treat their history!
A lot of people put a lot of effort into 'the Crossing', especially since the State of Pennsylvania is so broke it is now done completely by volunteers.
I encourage you to visit the area and see this event or its practice run which takes place a couple of weeks before. Have your photo taken with the stone version of the picture shown above, or see the mural which is about 25ft across, in the Visitors Center.
I am not sure what the NJ folks put on as a show. That night involved multiple crossings and hundres of troops, so there is plenty to go around, and after all, it is the spirit of the Crossing that matters.
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