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
Open Hearth Cooking: The Bake Oven
The cooks will fire the bake oven to demonstrate the weekly baking of bread and more.
April Book Club: Betsy Ross and the Making of America
In partnership with the Friends of Washington Crossing Park the next meeting of the Washington Crossing Historic Park Book Club is set for Monday, April 17 2023 at 5:30 PM.…
Spring Clean Up – April 22, 2023
SPRING CLEAN UP DAY Saturday, April 22 – 11:00AM – 2:00PM Join the Princeton Battlefield Society for Spring Clean Up Day at the Princeton Battlefield State Park. A great way…
Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights
The brewing of beer as well as maintaining a garden were critical to the lives of those living at Pennsbury Manor. Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of…
Art in the Garden: Plein Air Painting Workshop
Outdoor art for all skill levels. Take a tour of Pennsbury’s gardens and grounds, then settle into your favorite spot and paint. Materials provided. Registration required $35/non-members $30/members.
Animals at Pennsbury
Meet the furry, fuzzy, and feathered inhabitants at Pennsbury, and discover the important role their 17th century predecessors played in daily life.
CANE POLE FISHING
(All ages.) Come out to the pond and use a basic fishing pole made from a bamboo shoot and rigged to catch bluegills. Any caught fish will be released but…
