Our next destination was the place where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. That action was the first move in a surprise attack against the Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey. The journey to the site was rather quaint. Once here the area was quiet and peaceful. These buildings were not here in 1776. We had an excellent guide who is here showing the plan of battle. Washington's army crossed here and marched nine miles to Trenton in very wintry conditions. (Did you know that some of the soldiers didn't even have shoes? That's real dedication.) Washington chose this spot because there was a ferry here. A ferry was needed to transport wagons, cannons, and other items that could not be taken in boats, including General Washington. He did not cross as in the famous painting below. While it very nicely captures the spirit of the event, it is not factually accurate. The painting is by the German/American artist Emanuel Leutze. The only building here at the time was the 'inn' at the ferry landing. The blurred portion was added in the 1800's and was not part of the original building. The ferry closed down at 5 pm each day and any one who didn't make the last one usually spent the night. There are four rooms upstairs, two small and two larger. The lower floor is the dining room, and 'tavern' room. Here are the upstairs rooms. George Washington made his headquarters here during this campaign, and wrote a letter to one of his commanders from the table here (well, maybe not this exact table...). Adjacent to the dining room is what I call the 'tavern' room, in that it had a recreation area at the end near the fireplace. There were board games and playing cards to pass the time. The pitcher and mugs on the table are made of leather, lined with pitch for waterproofing. The other end of this room was the bar. Since travelers could pay a reduced rate to sleep here on the floor (instead of outside in the cold) the bartender would lower the grill work to lock up whatever alcohol he served. Hence the term 'bar and grill'. (and you thought it meant something else!) This picture has no historical significance except perhaps to show the other couple on our tour who were from England and were here to learn how they lost the war. The low structure on the left is an 'ice house'. As an French invention became popular over here, everyone had to have their ice cream. Leaving this peaceful setting we drove on into New Jersey to spend the night and get ready for what turned out to be a very stressful day. Stay Tuned. This is the Delaware River near the crossing.
3 Comments
Melody
5/21/2015 02:35:35 am
There was a reinactment video at Mount Vernon and it looks like some of it was filmed in that house. Fun!
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Bruce
5/21/2015 03:16:01 am
Fyi - on the Battle of Trenton; Washington attacked because he know the Hessein troops were celebrating Christmas which was something our American Christian brothers and sisters back then did not believe in or celebrate. On the Crossing of the Delaware the German painter painted it because Germany and Europe were moving towards Socialism and this was his way of pointing them in the other direction, follow what the Americans did. The painting itself is symbolic. Notice the people in the boat, men and women, Indian and African-American. Everyone should have rights according to the Northern based Founding Fathers, no matter your skin color. There is much more to it than just that.
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Sonja Yvette Hall
11/15/2022 07:17:24 pm
Beautiful photography; beautiful scenery. Enjoy....
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Who are we?Chuck and Mary Lou have been traveling in their RV since 2002 and have lately been taking longer, extended trips. This is our way to share our experiences. Trip Reports
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