Despite Low River Level, History Came Alive At Washington Crossing Historic Park

The annual Christmas crossing of Revolutionary War reenactors rowing across the Delaware River might be in danger due to the same problem that scrapped this past weekend’s planned trek from Bucks County to New Jersey.

The low water level in the Delaware River caused problems for the rehearsal event Sunday and that could haunt reenactors come Christmas morning. Unless there is a large amount of precipitation before Christmas, the river crossing will likely not be able to take place at Christmas.

In order to cross, there needs to be 18 inches of water in the river. On Sunday, there was only about 10 inches of water in places, which was not enough to put the Durham boats and floating dock down, said Joseph Capone, executive director of the Friends of Washington’s Crossing.

Crossing officials are hopeful the river level rises, but they remain uncertain.

Although the crossing rehearsal did not take place Sunday, the historic village at the park was open for tours and colonial-era activities and demonstrations were available for the large crowd that visited. General George Washington, portrayed by Middletown resident and Langhorne police Chief John Godzieba, was still able to present his commemorative speech.

This year marks the 65th reenactment of General George Washington and his men crossing the river in Upper Makefield as they headed to battle British-aligned forces in Trenton. Annually, the park puts on a dress rehearsal a few Sundays before Christmas.

“I think it is special every year,” explained Capone. “We take a lot of pride in the event.”