The annual reenactment of one of the most significant moments in revolutionary history started out as a sword-swallower’s publicity stunt more than half a century ago. Fast forward through the years and an Olympic gold medalist, unofficial “Hessian troops” and mischievous fraternity brothers have all made an appearance in this iconic Bucks County event. It has become an annual tradition and one you won’t want to miss this year on December 10 and Christmas Day.
For me, the historic reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park is a holiday staple. Seeing the recreation of a night so significant to our history – a night that allowed Washington and his men to launch a surprise attack against the Hessians and claim victory at the Battle of Trenton – take place in the exact same spot over 200 years later is nothing short of amazing. So it was a pleasure to recently learn the history behind this 65-year-old event from Joe Capone, Executive Director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park.
It all started in 1952 with St. John (pronounced Sinjin) Terrell of Lambertville, New Jersey. Head of the Lambertville Music Circus and a circus man himself, Terrell understood the importance of good publicity.
“He jokingly mentioned during a speech that George Washington was going to cross the Delaware and word made it to the editor of the local newspaper.” Capone said.
Seeing no choice but to follow through, he gathered a few good friends, donned historic garb and made the first organized crossing to commemorate that wintery night in 1776. For the next 25 years, Terrell played George Washington in what became an annual tradition.
A few years into his gig, the Washington Crossing Historic Park Commission stepped in and together they teamed up to make the reenactment more historically accurate, including the building of seven 45-foot long Durham boats – reproductions of vessels Washington and his troops used to cross the river more than 240 years ago.
“There are only seven reproductions of Durham boats in existence,” Capone said. “All seven are in Bucks County and five of them are here at the park.”
They also ensured a more accurate representation of the troops. The nearly 300 reenactors who participate each year are required to dress in either period civilian dress or military garb referred to as kit.
“A lot of the folks who register are seasoned reenactors and historians,” Capone shared. “Our current George Washington, John Godzieba, has participated in historical reenactments for over 20 years.”
The event has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but Capone still laughs as he remembers some of the comical moments from earlier days. One year, a group of unofficial participants tried to portray Hessian soldiers on the other side of the river. And in one of the earlier attempts at a crossing, local fraternity brothers from Rider University had their pledges dress up and take to the water.
Another former participant worth noting is the successor to Terrell, who retired from portraying Washington in 1977. Brother to Princess Grace Kelly and Olympic gold medalist rower, Jack Kelly, took on the role from 1978 to 1984.
Over the years, the event has become one of Bucks County’s most popular events and for many, a Christmas tradition. Since Terrell’s first audience of a few members of the press, thousands now gather on the shores of the Delaware each year.
“There is one family who has been coming since the late fifties,” Capone shared. “For me, it doesn’t feel like Christmas if I’m not here.”
