OT: Washington Crossing Reenactment
- Thread starter WhiteBus
- Start date
I attended in 1976 and it was bitter cold. It is a wonderful event to attend. As a former history teacher these reenactments are very interesting to me. I have also attended the Battle of Monmouth reenactment which is much fun as well but sometimes the temperatures in the summer are extremely hot and can almost be unbearable.
We stumbled on an earlier reenactment this month 12/11. Never knew they did it earlier also. There was a small amount of parking on the Jersey side if you knew how to get to it from the little canal bridges just north Delaware bridge. We were on a mission to drive above the rain snow line and catch some winter so we didn’t stick around in the rain but might try to catch the earlier crossing next year.
Upper Makefield Township Police Department
https://www.facebook.com/?sk=h_chr#·
Good morning… All roadways are open, however, you may encounter some icy spots, so be careful if you are out and about.
And just a reminder that tomorrow, Christmas Day, the 70th Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment will take place from 12pm til 3pm at the Washington Crossing Historic Park. Parking will be clearly marked and if you are not attending the Crossing Event, it would behoove you to avoid the area as we typically expect thousands of spectators. Admission is free and we hope to see you there!
That is all we have on this extremely cold morning. We hope you stay warm and and have a wonderful Christmas Eve!
The event is never canceled even if the crossing doesn't take place. Oddly Upper Makefield Twsp Police Department becomes the defacto public relations for this event. The park is run by the state but it's the twsp that releases updates about the event. Keep an eye on their info this morning about the Crossing itself. If the didn't cancel that yesterday it is doubtful they cancel today. Winds are not as strong as yesterday. The rescue boats will be in the water before 11am and the final decision will be made then. For those that go, enjoy!Upper Makefield Township Police Department
https://www.facebook.com/?sk=h_chr#
·
Good morning… All roadways are open, however, you may encounter some icy spots, so be careful if you are out and about.
And just a reminder that tomorrow, Christmas Day, the 70th Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment will take place from 12pm til 3pm at the Washington Crossing Historic Park. Parking will be clearly marked and if you are not attending the Crossing Event, it would behoove you to avoid the area as we typically expect thousands of spectators. Admission is free and we hope to see you there!
That is all we have on this extremely cold morning. We hope you stay warm and and have a wonderful Christmas Eve!
So after a crappy rainy 2021 and a deep freeze last year, it's finally a good Christmas for this event and I can not wait to return!
Again if you have never done this it should be on your bucket list. It's an incredible family event. Bring your coffee with Bailey's or whiskey. Walk among the reenactors, take pictures with them. Maybe it will become your tradition.
Again if you have never done this it should be on your bucket list. It's an incredible family event. Bring your coffee with Bailey's or whiskey. Walk among the reenactors, take pictures with them. Maybe it will become your tradition.
All of them. Kind of a stupid post. Maybe stop drinking or stop posting.
I am thinking that the crossing may not happen because of a high river. It has been that way in the past after a lot of rain. They ended up walking across the bridge.
I doubt it will be cancelled. The river has receded to near normal levels. I've seen too many cancellations in person but most were following recent storms 2-4 days before but it will be over a week tomorrow. What also helps is that the River was below normal for most of the year. Technically it's not the depth of the water it's the speed of the water. There is a natural channel very close to the NJ side. One year the first boat crossed all the way to that area with ease but once they got into the current they were at a standstill. After 5 mins they pulled up the oars and instantly were under the bridge. The rescue crews got them and that ended the day. All cancellations are not followed by them walking across. It's been awhile since they have.
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The speed of the water is what I was getting at. I should have put it a different way. Hopefully it takes place with the boats. I have seen it a few times with my wife, son and friends, Never without the boats being used, got lucky on that. I would go with my family but have concerns about driving 1 1/2 hours and it being a no go. MAYBE they should do play-by- play on the radio, like war of the worlds. Same area. Merry Christmas.
Why not a video feed of the festivities? I live in FL but very familiar with Wash Cross area and would certainly stream it if available.
There was also one year, not that long ago where the water was too low. So they got low draft boats but it was also too windy. I haven't been is two years and the event is much more then just the Crossing but I really would like to see them cross!
News 12 New Jersey should carry it. There are more than a few people who should watch it to learn some history. Not enough people know about the terrible weather conditions that the men went through while making the crossing and marching to Trenton. These men had some balls to do what they did. Incredible Americans!
How far back do re-enactments go?
According to the November 24 and 30, 1849 Princeton Whig, William A. Gulick was appointed Secretary and, “Resolved, That the citizens unite with the military in making arrangements for celebrating the battle of Princeton and that a committee be appointed to act with the committee appointed by the military for that purpose and a committee to collect means to defray the expenses.” Later, the December 5, 1851 Princeton Whig reported the Jersey Blues and Mercer Rifles of Trenton had agree to a “Sham Fight” on December 26, 1851 to celebrate the Battle of Trenton.
According to the November 24 and 30, 1849 Princeton Whig, William A. Gulick was appointed Secretary and, “Resolved, That the citizens unite with the military in making arrangements for celebrating the battle of Princeton and that a committee be appointed to act with the committee appointed by the military for that purpose and a committee to collect means to defray the expenses.” Later, the December 5, 1851 Princeton Whig reported the Jersey Blues and Mercer Rifles of Trenton had agree to a “Sham Fight” on December 26, 1851 to celebrate the Battle of Trenton.
SOOOOO does this mean that New Jersey is not only the birthplace of college football and MANY other things but also reenactments?
And this one is still around.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment
The Battle Reenactments are free to attend. The Museum has a reduced admission of $5 for all day reentry.
www.barracks.org
The entire event is from 11am to about 2pm with the boats beginning the crossing at 1pm. A single boat will go solo and complete the crossing to NJ first. Upon a successful crossing the others will follow. The Durham boat with a blue flag with white stars contains General Washington. A cannon shot is fired for each successful crossing.
Again there is more to see then just the Crossing on the Pennsylvania side.
Thanks. I’d stay Jersey side.
(Who wants to go to Pennsylvania?!)
(Who wants to go to Pennsylvania?!)
Park on Jersey side and walk across the bridge is the way to go.
Or see? Those who watch from the Jersey side will be "seeing" the landing. IMHO, that is SOMETHING to see!
Been there 2 times. Both sides of the river. Haven't been there in about 18 years. Prefer to keep my son home on Christmas. Sorry that you don't agree with my opinion. Both sides have a different view. If I was wrong, why do people watch/see from both sides. I am trying to have a mature discussion. Please keep it that way.
You trying to have a mature discussion?? 🤣🤣
Please tell me what goes on the NJ side before the Crossing?? Nothing. You have to wait to be entertained. I've been saying there is more to see before the Crossing itself on the PA side.
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Very good, BUT, people do watch from both sides. Everyone is aware of the village on the Pa. side, that is great. But don't feel that because someone says watching the landing on the Jersey side is something to see doesn't count. In the long run, THAT was the most important part of the crossing. I, like many others may not need to be on the Pa. side, but it is a nice option. NOW, do you have evidence that I have never been there like you said? Thank you, I await your proof. P.S. WHY would I lie on a message board about being there?
I know I did it once. I was saying there is nothing to see or do before the Crossing on the NJ. All the events are on the PA side. You don't agree with that? I certainly don't understand your argument about that. Which makes me believe you've never been there. Nothing goes on the NJ side at all until the boats are on the move. Yes people watch from NJ because they don't want to drive the 295 bridge or they just come for the Crossing itself. We got there after 11am and the PA side had a lot of people (weather helps) and nobody on the NJ side. There is a reason for that.
Please show me where I said nothing happens on the Pa. side before the crossing. I said that I am aware of the village and that I have been to both sides. Please show me a quote where I said NOTHING happens on the PA. side. Thank you Merry Christmas. MAYBE, because I have been a CW reenactor for 35 years I feel getting a different view is nice. That could be it. BOTH sides have an important view of what happened. Hey, if you need to be in Pa. that is great. Whatever floats your boat.
No you don't get it. I was telling people there was more to see on the PA side. You posted that wasn't true.
"Those who watch from the Jersey side will be "seeing" the landing. IMHO, that is SOMETHING to see!"
I NEVER said that wasn't true. I said seeing the landing WAS something to "see". I never said that there was nothing to see before hand. The 1st time I went with a friend we started on the Pa. side and walked to the Jersey side to watch the landing. Plenty of people do it. Plenty of people watch from Jersey. AGAIN, Please show me proof we I said that there was nothing to do in Pa. Thank you. Merry Christmas
This is coming from the guy who wanted a mature conversation 🤣🤣🤣
Yes. Was there from about 1:15 to 2:00, then left. I got lucky and found a parking spot right by the bridge, just as a couple was leaving the small parking lot at the Patriots Crossing Tavern. That made it all very easy despite the large crowd and difficult parking. Jersey side was perfect. Walked out onto the bridge and chatted with some friends, then back to the shore. Watched the boats launch from PA, land in Hopewell to lots of cheers, soldiers disembark, Washington’s speech, and left with no delays.
I imagine that the large crowd and cheering hampered the hoped-for surprise nature of the attack on the Hessians, but George Washington seemed OK with it, so I was too.
I imagine that the large crowd and cheering hampered the hoped-for surprise nature of the attack on the Hessians, but George Washington seemed OK with it, so I was too.
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