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
Four Centuries of African American Soldiers – Day 1
Celebrate Black History Month with us at The Old Barracks Museum! Come hear about the brave African American soldiers that helped shape our nation’s history! Learn about the integral role they played in our military, from the earlydays of our nation’s infancy all the way up to World War II! Meet the dedicated reenactors and…
CONSERVATION VIDEO: Relentless Enemies: Lions and Hyenas
As the title suggests, this video is probably notappropriate for young children.
Four Centuries of African American Soldiers – Day 2
Celebrate Black History Month with us at The Old Barracks Museum! Come hear about the brave African American soldiers that helped shape our nation’s history! Learn about the integral role they played in our military, from the earlydays of our nation’s infancy all the way up to World War II! Meet the dedicated reenactors and…
MAPLE SUGARING
This event is a participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Advanced registration required. Please note: Online RSVPs will not be accepted for this meetup. Please call the WCSP Nature Center @ (609) 737-0609 to register.
MAPLE SUGARING
This event is a participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Advanced registration required. Please note: Online RSVPs will not be accepted for this meetup. Please call the WCSP Nature Center @ (609) 737-0609 to register.
Beulah Oliphant Award
Beulah Oliphant, through her foresight and determination, led the effort to preserve the Old Barracks, which became a museum in 1902. This award is named in her honor, and is presented annually to women in recognition of their outstanding contributions to New Jersey history in historic preservation, education, or scholarship. 2020 Honoree – Alice Paul…
MAPLE SUGARING
This event is a participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Advanced registration required. Please note: Online RSVPs will not be accepted for this meetup. Please call the WCSP Nature Center @ (609) 737-0609 to register.
MAPLE SUGARING
This event is a participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Advanced registration required. Please note: Online RSVPs will not be accepted for this meetup. Please call the WCSP Nature Center @ (609) 737-0609 to register.
March Book Club Meeting: The Men Who Lost America
The March meeting of the Washington Crossing Historic Park Book Club is set for Monday, March 16, at 5:30 PM in the Visitor Center. In this meeting, museum curator Kimberly McCarty will lead a discussion of the The Men Who Lost America by Andrew O’Shaughnessy. Participants should be prepared to discuss Chapters Six and Seven.…
