Water disaster! Red-faced history buffs re-enact Delaware River crossing... only to be forced back by a bit of bad weather (Good job Washington didn't give up so easily!

By Daily Mail Reporter


A band of merry men descended upon the quiet town of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania on Tuesday to re-enact the historic moment in 1776 when General George Washington crossed the Delaware River.

In the annual holiday tradition, the local townspeople don historic garb to witness the re-creation of the momentous occasion during the War of Independence when on the evening of December 25, the general led Continental Army troops across the Delaware River for a surprise attack against soldiers fighting for the British in Trenton, New Jersey.

Despite their efforts and dedication to accurately represent the uniforms, the men taking part in the exercise on Christmas Day couldn't manage the same miracle that General Washington pulled off during the quest for independence and facing inclement weather on Tuesday, the re-enactors were forced to turn their boat around and didn't manage to make it to the other side of the river.


Mission: The actors take their places in the Durham boat to re-create the historic crossing

War for Independence:

War for Independence: Painter Emanuel Leutze's masterpiece of Washington's river crossing

John Godzieba, a police lieutenant from the Philadelphia suburbs, filled the role of the General for the historical sketch. Is the fourth year the 53-year-old, who stands tall at more than six feet, has had the starring role.

The tradition of 'The Crossing' began in 1953. Local actors, wearing replicas of Continental Army uniforms, flanked the General and piled into a Durham boat to row across the waterway.

But weather conditions were less than ideal and despite the enthusiasm of the participants due to the strong currents and high tide - the boat could only travel a few hundred yards before it returned to shore unable to cross the water.

'Thank God the real Washington didn't give up so easily,' one onlooker Annette Drier, told The Wall Street Journal.

'If he had we would all be speaking with a British accent and drinking tea this morning.'

Fearless leader:

Fearless leader: John Godzieba, front right, portraying Gen. George Washington, walks with his troops toward the boat dock during a re-enactment of Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware River

History in action

History in action: The participants look serious as they approach the boat dock during the re-enactment


War hero: John Godzieba, center, portrays Gen. George Washington, to re-create the Continental Army's feat on a frigid Christmas morning in 1776


Battle: Revolutionary War re-enactors march during a re-enactment of George Washington's historic crossing


Soldiers: Members of the 14th Continental Regiment hold their oars to the boats during a reenactment on Christmas Day