Depictions of Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776 are etched into the American psyche — so much so that Crossing reenactments in Pennsylvania attract thousands of visitors each year. But did you know that after the Crossing, New Jersey saw more revolutionary battles and skirmishes than any other American colony?

Learn what happened when the troops landed in New Jersey!

ONGOING Throughout the Day

Gifts for Sale at the WCPA Tent

Lamb’s Artillery Rev War Weapons display at the reproduction Ferry Boat

Encampments by the First Rhode Island Regiment, Lambs Artillery and Motts Artillery and the 17th Regiment of Infantry portraying the Hunterdon Militia

Hot Cider at the Nelson House by the River, with the Garden Club of Trenton

Tri-Corner Hat-Making Table

L’Annexe de Mamie Collette, Relish the Dog and Nomad Pizza Food Trucks

Photo ops at the Durham Boat Float, with costumes

December 14th, 2025 | 11am-3:30 pm

$10 per carload donation

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. You can donate at the entrance, or reserve your spot by clicking the link below.

Note: The bridge will close to car traffic at approximately 10:00 am.

Parking INFORMATION

Due to construction, all cars must park in the main park. Parking will not be permitted in the lower park or along the highway. SHUTTLES WILL BE PROVIDED.

Enter on Route 546 / Washington Crossing Pennington Road. Use Google Maps link: 843V+X5 Titusville, Hopewell Township, NJ

HANDICAP Parking

Accessible parking is available at the encampment site but cars must arrive before 10 am and remain until 3:30 pm, as the road will be closed to all but emergency vehicles.

If this isn’t convenient, Accessible Shuttles will be provided at all other lots.

Landing Schedule

11:00 am | Encampment Opens to the Public New Jersey Fifes and Drums parade leads Boy Scout Troop 1776 to wreath layings at the DAR Monument and the Colonial Gate. With opening remarks by Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning

11:15 am | Presentation (Hay Bale Theater) Marjory Wienkop, “A Surgeon with the Advanced Guard Marching on Trenton”

11:45 pm | Presentation (Hay Bale Theater) Matthew Skic, “The Swan Collection in the New Museum”

12:30 pm | Presentation (Hay Bale Theater) State Historian Will Krakower, “The Landing & The March to Trenton”

1:00 pm | “First Crossing” Rehearsal by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park of PA

2:00 pm | George Washington (Portrayed by John Godzeiba) Speaks to Troops with General Greene (Portrayed by Ronald Rinaldi, Ed.D.)

2:15 pm | A Salute to Algernon Ward

2:30 pm | Presentation by Hunterdon County Militia and New Jersey Fife and Drum (Encampment)

2:45 pm | Cannon Firing by Mott’s Artillery (River Bank)

3:30 pm | Encampment Closes to the Public

The Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA), NJ State Park historians, and the First Rhode Island Regiment, will provide an opportunity to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it.

This will happen in sync with Washington Crossing Historic Park of Pennsylvania’s “First Crossing” rehearsal event.

Reenactors who cross with Washington will be met by Ronald Rinaldi, portraying General Nathaneal Greene, who will invite them to an encampment in the Lower Park, anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment. The First RI will portray the roles of Black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines and musicians. They will be supported by:

• John Lamb's Artillery

• Motts Artillery

• 17th Regiment of Infantry portraying the Hunterdon Militia

• New Jersey Fifes and Drums

Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House, where volunteers from the Garden Club of Trenton will serve free hot cider and donuts in front of a roaring fire. A food truck will be on hand!

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting New Jersey event.