Photos

Every year thousands of people descend upon Washington Crossing on Christmas Day to watch a re-enactment of the crossing of the Delaware River that took place on Christmas Day in 1776.

This crossing was the event that helped turn the tide for George Washington and the Continental Army who were struggling to gain independence for the American Colonies from the British in the 1700's. The enlistments for the soldiers would run out on December 31, 1776 and Washington had but a few days to come up with a plan that would not ensure total defeat for the colonies. He decided that he would cross in the wee hours of Christmas Day and attack the Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, NJ in the morning.

What was significant about this suprise attack was that it was the first victory the Continental Army had against its foe and turned the tide of America's War for Independence.

The people you see in this photo are re-enactors who are portraying Washington and his staff during a dress rehearsal for the re-enactment. The weather conditions the day the real crossing took place were not unlike those you see in the photo. So, in essence, one could have seen a similar scene at this same location over 200 years ago.

By the way...the re-enactors did not cross the river during the dress rehearsal. That part was canceled due to the foul weather and dangerous conditions on the river. ;-)