Re-enactors at the annual Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River braved a 65-degree springlike day— considerably warmer than the actual crossing, which took place on an ice-choked river during a snowstorm. Watch video
WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. -- George Washington and his troops have made their annual Christmas Day trip across a fog-covered Delaware River.
The re-enactors crossed the river between Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a 65-degree day Friday, considerably warmer than the actual crossing, which took place on an ice-choked river during a snowstorm.
The annual Christmas tradition drew families and fans of history to both sides of the Delaware River for the 63rd annual re-enactment.
During the original crossing, boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 18 cannons across the river. Washington's troops marched 8 miles downriver before battling Hessian mercenaries in the streets of Trenton.
Thirty Hessians were killed, and two Continental soldiers froze to death on the march.