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
Holly Nights: December 7th and 8th
Let your holiday spirit burn bright with the old-world beauty of Holly Nights. This “Yuletide of yore” style celebration is breathtaking and remains the favorite of young and old who love holiday magic. Light and joy spread throughout the night as strolling carolers bring cheer, crackling bonfires fill the crisp night air, and visitors wander through the candlelit Manor House. You can also enjoy Colonial craft demonstrations and a visit from Father Christmas himself! You don’t want to miss Holly Nights because it lasts for two nights only.
Holly Nights – December 7th & 8th
December 7th and December 8th from 6 PM to 9 PM Let your holiday spirit burn bright with the old-world beauty of Holly Nights. This “Yuletide of yore” style…
Holly Nights: December 7th and 8th
Let your holiday spirit burn bright with the old-world beauty of Holly Nights. This “Yuletide of yore” style celebration is breathtaking and remains the favorite of young and old who…
First Crossing of 2023
Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several…
2nd Annual Washington’s Landing in New Jersey
On December 10, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, please join NJ State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and other NJ-based reenactor groups…
Candlelight Tours
Hundreds of lanterns illuminating the path to the Manor House remain lit for our special candlelight tours. If the crowds on Holly Nights are not your thing, you may enjoy…
Trail Stewards Work Day
Trail Stewards meet at the Park’s Nature Center under the enthusiastic direction of Park employee Kevin Kavanaugh, clearing trails, removing brush, and constructing water bars and other trail necessities. You…
