Experience “the rest of the story” of George Washington’s fateful trip across the Delaware

Can you imagine rowing through ice floes and then trudging through a blizzard in the middle of the night, with miles to go before your destination is reached — especially when that destination is a battle to decide the fate of your country?

Learn what happened WHEN the troops landed in New Jersey!

The Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA), NJ State Park historians, and the First Rhode Island Regiment, will give the public an opportunity to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it. Thanks to the First Rhode Island, also known as the “Black Regiment,” the event will feature the tales of our nation’s Black patriots whose stories, too often, are not told. This will happen in sync with Washington Crossing Historic Park of Pennsylvania’s “First Crossing” rehearsal event.

Reenactors who crossed with Washington during the rehearsal will be met by Ronald Rinaldi, portraying General Nathaneal Greene, who will lead many of them to the Overlook.

The encampment at the Overlook will be anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who made history as the first African American colonial reenacting unit hosting an event in a NJ State Park. Members of the First Rhode Island will portray the roles of Black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines and musicians. They will be supported by members from the Northampton County Militia, Lamb's Artillery, Lt. Trevett's Company of Marines, Outwaters Militia, and the New Jersey 3rd Regiment (New Jersey Greys).

We’re pleased to announce that this year our reenactors will be joined by the New Jersey Fifes and Drums!

Just beyond the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where presenters Larry Kidder and Leslie Bramlett will speak on the contributions of New Jersey residents, soldiers, and farmers, and African Americans both free and enslaved.

The Johnson Ferry House at Washington Crossing State Park of New Jersey — *The Johnson Ferry House*

Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Johnson Ferry House (the only remaining witness structure from the 1776 Crossing) where Park Historian Nancy Ceperly and her crew of volunteers will gave tours, answer questions, and serve free hot cider to visitors.

At the Park’s Nelson House, near the Landing Site, volunteers from the Garden Club of Trenton will serve free hot cider and donuts in front of a roaring fire.