Washington Crossed Delaware More Than Once: Phun Philly Phacts

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —We all know that General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey on Christmas Day 1776, marking a turning point in the American Revolution.

George and company braved the icy river and surprised the Hessians in Trenton on that Christmas morning.

The 72nd annual Christmas Day Crossing is scheduled to take place from 12 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Washington Crossing, Bucks County, with the actual crossing scheduled for 1 p.m. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Each year, thousands gather to relive the event, featuring hundreds of reenactors in full Continental Army uniform.

But Washington crossed the Delaware River a total of four times.

In fact, Christmas Day wasn't even the first time he crossed the river.

Washington was being pushed from northern New Jersey toward Trenton. So in early December 1776, he crossed into Pennsylvania, going from Trenton to Morrisville, according to the Washington Historical Crossing Park website.

His famous Christmas Day crossing was the second time Washington went across the river.

Washington then decided after capturing 900 Hessian soldiers he needed to find a place for the prisoners so he crossed the river a third time: putting the Hessians in Newtown.

The website states that Washington crossed the river for a fourth and final time on Dec. 29-30. He joined the Battle of Assunpink Creek —also known as the Second Battle of Trenton —on Jan. 2.

Editor's Note —A prior version listed a historical fact incorrectly about George Washington's stay at Valley Forge. Patch apologizes for the error.