Public Invited To Experience 'Washington's Landing In New Jersey'

TITUSVILLE, NJ – Images of Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776 are deeply ingrained in the American imagination — so much so that Pennsylvania’s annual reenactments draw thousands of spectators.

But what many don’t realize is that after that daring crossing, New Jersey witnessed more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than any other colony.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, N.J., will celebrate "Washington's Landing in New Jersey" by sharing with the public, through living history presentations and lectures, what unfolded after Washington and his troops made landfall on New Jersey soil.

New Jersey’s event is distinct from — yet coordinated with — the “First Crossing” presented by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania.

The New Jersey State Park encampment will be held at "Washington’s Grove," along the banks of the Delaware in New Jersey. Visitors are invited to step back in time as they join Washington and his troops around campfires, sip hot cider, and interact with reenactors who will bring to life the rich history of Mercer County, New Jersey.

Washington’s Landing in NJ logo.

First Rhode Island Regiment at Washington’s Landing in New Jersey, featuring Landing founder the late Algernon Ward (center).

The encampment will be anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who portray 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. All will be supported by music from the New Jersey Fifes and Drums.

Just beyond the encampment will be a Haybale Theater, where historian Marjory Wienkop will speak on the life of a surgeon with Washington’s army. Swan Historical Foundation trustee and curator of Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution, Matthew Skic, will discuss the park’s new museum. And New Jersey DEP historian Will Krakower will present a talk on the March to Trenton.

At the nearby Nelson House, visitors are invited to warm up with free hot cider. Food trucks will also be stationed there to keep visitors fortified throughout the day.

Entrance is free, although a suggested donation of $10 per car is requested to help cover costs. Shuttles will run throughout the day.

Donations do not include entry to the activities on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, although New Jersey park officials encourage visitors to “Cross the Delaware” on the Washington Crossing Bridge (closed to vehicular traffic) to take part in Pennsylvania’s program.

“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” is made possible with assistance from the Discover NJ License Plate Fund. Visit www.wcpa-nj.com/landing for more information and parking directions.