History Comes Alive at Washington Crossing 70th Annual Reenactment

Take a journey back in time to Christmas Day 1776, when General George Washington led his soldiers across the frigid, icy waters of the Delaware River for a surprise attack on Hessian troops. The daring river crossing, and subsequent victory at Trenton, was a turning point in the American Revolution that happened less than 5 miles from where the Inn at Bowman's Hill is today.

At Washington Crossing Historic Park, you can witness a stirring reenactment of Washington's Delaware crossing 246 years to the day after it happened. Thousands of visitors will gather on the Delaware's banks on December 25, 2022, to watch reenactors take part in this realistic spectacle, a Bucks County tradition for the last 70 years. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. with the actual crossing beginning at 1 p.m. Arrive early for a good spot on the viewing line. Admission is free.

Several hundred participants dressed in Continental military dress will listen to an inspiring address by General Washington before setting out to retrace the brave 1776 voyage. Like their historic counterparts, the reenactors will cross the river in replica Durham boats, much larger than the boats depicted in Emanuel Leutze’s famous “Washington Crossing the Delaware” painting. The 1776 crossing was made worse by the arrival of a strong storm that brought freezing rain, snow and terrifying winds. That didn't stop General Washington and his men, but the reenactment crossing is contingent upon safe conditions for participants.

When you visit Washington Crossing Historic Park, be sure to explore all that it has to offer. Check out the visitors center, tour the Thompson-Neely house and grist mill, visit the solemn soldiers' graves, and climb the spiral staircase to the top of Bowman's Hill Tower for an incredible scenic view of the countryside and the Delaware River from the observation deck.

End your day in the comfort of the charming Inn at Bowman's Hill, warm up by the fireplace, and reflect on this gutsy military maneuver that turned the tide of America's fight for independence and reignited the cause of freedom.

Photo Credit: Kevin Crawford Imagery.