Delaware River Crossing: Myths and History

The Delaware River Crossing

• On December 23rd, 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls".
• Two days later, on Christmas Day, George Washington led the Continental Army across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
• Washington's daring move, known as the Delaware River Crossing, was a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Misconceptions About the Delaware River Crossing

• The famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze, painted in 1851, depicts several historical inaccuracies.
• The flag depicted in the painting is the Betsy Ross flag which wasn't created until 1777.
• The Continental Army flag at the time of the crossing was a Union Jack with white and red stripes.
• In the painting, George Washington is standing, while everyone else in the boat is sitting.
• The boats used, called Durham boats, did not have seats and everyone would have been standing.
• The artist likely had Washington standing to make him the focal point of the painting.
• James Monroe is depicted holding the flag in the painting, but he was likely not in the boat with Washington at the time of the crossing.
• The painting accurately depicts the presence of men of color rowing the boat, as men of color served in the Continental Army.

The Battle of Trenton

• After the crossing, Washington's army attacked Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey on December 26, 1776.
• The Hessian troops were paid by King George III to fight for the British Army.
• The attack on Trenton was a decisive victory for the Continental Army, boosting morale and turning the tide of the war.

The Journey Across the Delaware

• The crossing began at 4 PM on Christmas Day and concluded at 3 AM the next morning.
• The Continental Army transported 2,400 men, 18 cannons, 50 horses, and many wagons.
• The soldiers faced treacherous conditions, including ice patches in the river.

The Influence of Sickness

• The text highlights the issue of illness and sickness that often ravaged armies of the time.
• Soldiers died more often to disease than in battle.
• Common illnesses included scabies, typhus, smallpox, and yellow fever.
• Bloodletting was a common practice in the 18th century, but often did more harm than good.

McConkey's Ferry Inn

• The text describes McConkey’s Ferry Inn where George Washington and his aides had their last meal before crossing the Delaware River.
• The inn was used to house 29 captured Hessian officers who were later exchanged for Continental Army officers.

The Aftermath of the Crossing

• The troops marched for 11 miles after crossing the Delaware River.
• The Hessian army was surprised by the attack, with soldiers being taken by surprise by Continental sharpshooters.
• Washington's forces captured 900 men and 26 officers.
• The victory at Trenton raised the morale of the revolutionaries and signaled a shift in momentum in the fight for independence.

Durham Boats and Cannons

• The text describes the boats used for the crossing, Durham boats, as sturdy vessels used for transporting goods and animals.
• The cannons used in the battle were lightweight and portable, typically loaded with grape shot to cause widespread damage.
• The Continental Army flag at the time of the crossing was a Union Jack with red and white stripes.

The Site of the Crossing

• The specific location of the crossing is uncertain due to the size of the force involved.
• The historical records show that George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River in the vicinity of McConkey's Ferry, which is located near the town of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

The Strategic Advantage

• George Washington’s strategic retreat to Pennsylvania and removal of boats from the New Jersey side of the Delaware River denied the British and Hessian forces the means to pursue his army.

The Legacy of the Delaware River Crossing

• Washington's crossing of the Delaware is a pivotal moment in American history and a symbol of courage and resilience against overwhelming odds.
• It is recognized as a turning point in the Revolutionary War, a pivotal event that inspired patriots and helped to secure the ultimate victory for independence.

Test your knowledge on the famous Delaware River Crossing led by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Explore the historical context and common misconceptions surrounding this pivotal event and its artistic representation. Gain insights into the real facts and legends that have shaped our understanding of this moment in history.