Reenactments of George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776 attract thousands of visitors each year in Pennsylvania. But did you know the state he crossed the river to reach, New Jersey, saw more revolutionary battles and skirmishes than any other American colony?
On December 8, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, New Jersey State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, and the First Rhode Island Regiment invite you to Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Welcome Washington’s troops, and learn what happened after 2,400 troops, 18 cannons and 50 horses landed on New Jersey shores.
The title of this event is “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey,” which is separate from — but in sync with — the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park in PA’s “First Crossing.” Our colleagues in Pennsylvania will feature hundreds of reenactors and colonial craftspeople, speakers, and an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the Colonial Era for the day. We encourage visitors to take advantage of their programs, as proceeds from their event allow them to offer a second Christmas Day reenactment free of charge.
Our encampment will take place at the New Jersey Park’s “Washington’s Grove” on the banks of the Delaware, where visitors will welcome Washington and his troops as they enjoy campfires, hot cider, and skilled reenactors who will captivate them with tales of the history that took place in Mercer County. NJ historians will narrate the Crossing rehearsal in real time, and we will feature activities — such as photo-ops on reproduction boats — that will engage our youngest visitors in hopes of sparking their interest in New Jersey history. The event will include cannon fire and musket drills, and a special wreath-laying by BSA Troop 1776 of Titusville New Jersey.
The encampment will be anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who portray the roles of Black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines and musicians. They will be supported by members from John Lamb’s Artillery, Motts Artillery, and the 17th Regiment of Infantry, who will be portraying the Hunterdon Militia. Ronald Rinaldi will portray General Nathaneal Greene, who helped lead the troops in their history-changing march to Trenton. All will be supported by music from the New Jersey Fifes and Drums.
Just beyond the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where historians Leslie Bramlett and Noah Lewis will speak on the contributions of New Jersey soldiers and families, with a focus on the contributions of African Americans both free and enslaved.
The event will feature a large tent with a series of “Table Top History” exhibits (with artifacts and reproductions for visitors to explore) as well as New Jersey’s “Oh Freedom” display, which chronicles the contributions of African Americans in the Revolution.
Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House for free hot cider. A food truck will be on site, selling both breakfast and lunch dishes.
Entrance is free, although a suggested donation of $10 per car is requested to help cover costs. (Note: this will not include entry to the Pennsylvania Park’s activities, although we encourage you to “Cross the Delaware” by foot to support their event.)
“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” is supported by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The program is also made possible in part by the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission. It is further supported by generous sponsorships from the Swan Historical Foundation, Capital Health, NJM Insurance, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of NJ, Gold Coast Productions, the Bank of Princeton, and the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of NJ. Scouting Troop 1776 will also be on hand!
Please visit www.wcpa-nj.com/landing for more information, high-res photos and directions.
