What are the “Ten Crucial Days?”     

In December 1776, a mere six months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, General George Washington's fledgling American Army and the cause of liberty were on the verge of being extinguished. A disastrous New York campaign that fall had resulted in the loss of more than half of Washington’s troops, as well as the confidence of Congress and his fellow citizens. Retreating through “the Jerseys” with the remnants of his ragtag Continentals, Washington and his soldiers sought refuge on the west bank of the Delaware River, having narrowly escaped King George III's British troops and their Hessian auxiliaries. Doubling as peace commissioners, British General William Howe and his brother, Royal Navy Admiral Sir Richard Howe, reasoned that further bloodshed was unnecessary. They assumed that the rebellious American soldiers—many of whose enlistments were scheduled to expire at year's end—would no longer be able to offer any significant resistance. Settling into winter quarters, General Howe ordered his regiments to set up a string of cantonments posted through the Jerseys.  

George Washington saw something very different... Taking stock of his army’s desperate situation, the rebel commander-in-chief would launch his forces into a series of victorious engagements, of which British historian Sir George Otto Trevelyan later wrote, “It may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater and more lasting effects upon the history of the world.” That space of time—December 25, 1776 to January 3, 1777—encompassed “Ten Crucial Days” that changed the course of history.

Do something revolutionary! Experience the “Ten Crucial Days.”

Upcoming Events

Monthly Living History June 2025

June 14 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

    Join us each month as historical interpreters and reenactors bring a piece of history to life at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Each month’s program will run from 11-3,…

History Series Kick-off: Meet Francis Hopkinson and Hear the Story of Our Flag

June 14 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Titusville, NJ United States

Stanley Saperstein will perform a presentation as Francis Hopkinson, New Jersey Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hopkinson, a member of the Congressional Marine Committee, claimed that he had created the…

Open-Hearth Cooking: 17th Century Pudding

June 15 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

Everything hath an end and a pudding has two! Each cook will be demonstrating a different type of 17th century pudding.  This program is provided free of charge with admission…

Continental Lane Reforestation Project

June 19 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm
101 Ewing St
Princeton, NJ United States

Join the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) Conservation Crew for a forest restoration project along the historic Continental Lane trail. Participants will briefly learn about how invasive species are impacting New Jersey's…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

June 21 @ 8:30 am - 9:30 am
2 River Dr
Titusville, NJ United States

Tai Chi with our steadfast volunteers and beloved teachers Lisa and Robert! They lead classes by the Delaware River for all levels on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 am.…

Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights

June 22 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

Beer brewing and garden maintenance were critical to the lives of those living at Pennsbury Manor. Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that…

Lecture – “German Soldier, American Rebel: Christopher Ludwick’s Pursuits of Happiness in Revolutionary Pennsylvania”

June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

  This is a hybrid event.  Visitors may attend in-person in the Visitor Center Auditorium or virtually on Zoom.  Registration is required.  Log-in information provided with registration. Register Here Hessian-born…

Preserve the Beauty of Summer: Flower Pressing Workshop

June 26 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

  Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the timeless art of flower pressing and create beautiful keepsakes from nature! Led by park horticulturist Anna Davis, you’ll explore…

Farmstead Friday June 2025

June 27 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
1638 River Road
New Hope, United States

Join us the 4th Friday of each month from 11:00am – 3:00pm, this May to September to learn about life on the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. In the 18th Century much of…