History

By Colin Zimmerman, Military Historian, Friends of Washington Crossing Park All too often when we reflect on the Delaware River Crossing and surprise attack on Trenton, our minds naturally drift toward images of General George Washington and his tired, cold, and ragged Continental soldiers struggling with determination through bone-chilling wind, an ice-choked river, and a penetrating wetness produced by a nor-easter.  While certainly this imagery demands center stage of the drama that unfolded, there are other figures and events which played a critical role in precipitating and propelling the operation. One of these essential individuals was Mr. Robert Morris, known Read More

By Thomas Maddock II Historical Interpreter, Washington Crossing Historic Park In any long-term military conflict, there are many events that go unreported but have a very important impact on the eventual outcome. David Price’s fourth book, “The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776,” gives us a thorough and informative account of this small but vital engagement. It took place on September 16, 1776 and was one of several encounters with the British and Hessians fought during the New York campaign. The Continental Army and its militia support units had been thoroughly defeated earlier at the Battle of Long Island and were Read More

  Fans of the park have been closely following the progress of the $8.7 million Capital Project to preserve 17 historic buildings and structures throughout the park. The year-and-a-half-long undertaking is now 99% complete and in mid-December the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Department of General Services held a ribbon cutting to celebrate. The rehabilitation included the refurbishment of historically accurate roofs and new windows, plastering and painting exteriors, and internal plumbing and electrical work. The project also included renovating and reopening restrooms near the Washington Pavilion and Thompson-Neely House and repaving the road to Read More

George Washington, John Glover, Henry Knox, James Monroe – are all well-known participants in the 1776 Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River. But who were the other 2,396 people who comprised Washington’s army at the time?    Washington Crossing Historic Park curator Kimberly McCarty will introduce guests to a handful of these lesser-known figures during her December 4 lecture, titled “Who Was Here?” The 7 p.m. lecture is free and will be offered in-person and on Zoom. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is required on the DCNR website (click here to register). McCarty’s lecture will explore the lives Read More

  While high school senior Calvin Deifer was already a multi-instrument musician, joining the Washington Crossing Historic Park Fife and Drums Corps presented a new challenge. He shares how his experience as a volunteer has expanded his musical skills and created a connection with the community. “I’ve always had an interest in history and music, so I decided to bring the two together by joining a historical music group. My mom showed me a flier for the Washington Crossing Historic Park Fife and Drum Corps about a year ago and I thought that would be a great way to expand Read More

  Everyone knows about George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent victory in Trenton, but less well known is the Battle of Harlem Heights, which took place in September 1776 on upper Manhattan Island.  Now, new light is now being shone on this important battle thanks to David Price, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Price’s new book, The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776, will be released in December and will be available in the park’s gift shop or for pre-order online.   “The Battle of Harlem Heights is an underappreciated milestone in American military history,” Price Read More

Ankita Achanta’s father began driving her to violin lessons when she was three years old. Her teacher lived near Washington Crossing Historic Park and young Ankita took notice of the unique names on the street signs they passed. They piqued her curiosity. “I saw General Mercer Avenue, General Knox Road and others, and I wondered who these people were,” says Ankita, who is now a senior at George School in Newtown. “When I was in fourth grade there was a book writing competition through the Southampton Library, so I decided to investigate this curiosity of mine and write a book Read More

Written by Thomas Maddock, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park.  Leadership is a complex topic because there are so many variables to becoming a leader. My definition of a leader is: “a person who others choose to follow.”  Why we choose to follow involves many issues. Paramount among these qualities are: ambition, vision, courage, conviction, belief in one’s self, perseverance, honesty, dedication, and a deep belief in the cause. George Washington’s many accomplishments were very important to the birth of our nation, but the interesting part is the obstacles he had to overcome. He was born into an Read More