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
Manufacturing a Revolution: Trenton in the Winter of 1778
On Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 10 am – 5 pm, the Old Barracks Museum will break your winter cabin fever by reliving the winter of 1777-1778, when Washington’s troops were experiencing the harsh Winter at Valley Forge. The Old Barracks will host 18th century carpenters, tailors, cordwainers and shoemakers, hatters, gunsmiths,…
Manufacturing a Revolution: Trenton in the Winter of 1778
On Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 10 am – 5 pm, the Old Barracks Museum will break your winter cabin fever by reliving the winter of 1777-1778, when Washington’s troops were experiencing the harsh Winter at Valley Forge. The Old Barracks will host 18th century carpenters, tailors, cordwainers and shoemakers, hatters, gunsmiths,…
WINTER BIRDS OF THE PARK
Come join veteran birder Franta Broulik of Washington Crossing Audubon as we walk the trails in search of a variety of winter bird species and perhaps some early spring migrants. Advanced registration required.
Lecture on “The Property of the Nation: George Washington’s Tomb, Mount Vernon and the Memory of the First President”
Dr. Matthew Costello, senior historian of the White House Historical Association, will visit Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) on Sunday, April 19 at 2 PM. The lecture is free and will be held in the Visitor Center auditorium. Costello will present a free public lecture on his 2019 book, The Property of the Nation: George…
April Book Club Meeting: The Men Who Lost America
The April meeting of the Washington Crossing Historic Park Book Club is set for Monday, April 20, 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 Eight, Nine, and…
Lecture: Cole Jones on “The Problem of Prisoners of War in the American Revolution”
The Old Barracks is pleased to host lectures and discussions by leading historians and authors on a variety of subjects sponsored by the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey. Lectures are free to attend, and pre-orders for books are encouraged. Pre-orders available soon. Join the Old Barracks Museum on…
Lecture: Eric Schnitzer on “Don Troiani’s Campaign to Saratoga – 1777 “
The Old Barracks is pleased to host lectures and discussions by leading historians and authors on a variety of subjects sponsored by the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey. Lectures are free to attend, and pre-orders for books are encouraged. Pre-orders available soon. Join the Old Barracks Museum on…
Wheat & Sheep Day
Roll up your sleeves and experience life on a colonial-era farmstead! Wheat & Sheep Day is set for Saturday, April 25 at noon at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead and Grist Mill, part of Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA). At this family-friendly event, watch as the Thompson-Neely sheep are shorn of their wool using period-accurate techniques and…
Lecture: Cathering Kerrison on “Jefferson’s Daughters”
The Old Barracks is pleased to host lectures and discussions by leading historians and authors on a variety of subjects sponsored by the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey. Lectures are free to attend, and pre-orders for books are encouraged. Pre-orders available soon. Join the Old Barracks Museum on…
