Thousands of people gathered on Sunday at Washington Crossing to watch the historical reenactment of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776, writes Emily Neil for WHYY.
The advance of the Continental Army into New Jersey represented a turning point in the Revolutionary War and our nation’s history. The moment has been immortalized in Emanuel Leutze’s famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware.
“Washington is losing, a string of defeats, and then he’ll come here, he’ll plan this daring attack on Trenton, and he will end up being victorious, despite many obstacles and changes in plans that’ll take place,” said Jennifer Martin, executive director of The Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park.
After the crossing, “he’ll go on to win two battles at Trenton, one at Princeton. In 10 days, he will be victorious, and he will make the men and our country believe that they can actually win,” she added.
The reenactment has been taking place since 1953. Participants make sure to pay special attention to the details, including wearing historically accurate uniforms. In recent years, organizers have also provided a period-appropriate meal for reenactment participants.
Read more about the Washington crossing reenactment in WHYY.
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