Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington Crossing the Delaware
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
1. Washington Crossing the Delaware Marker
This bronze sculpture replicates the famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. It depicts Gen. George Washington leading the Continental Army on a dangerous nighttime crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 to attack Hessian troops stationed at Trenton. His attack was a final, desperate effort to gain a victory after months of defeats had reduced the Army to a small, exhausted, and demoralized force. Washington’s success at Trenton reinvigorated the American cause and kept the Revolution alive.
The painting captures the drama, danger, and desperation of the river crossing, even though a number of details are historically inaccurate, such as the type of boat. The artist, Emanuel Leutze, grew up and was trained in Philadelphia, but created the painting in 1850 after he returned to his native Germany. The painting was a sensation when it was displayed in America the following year.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is December 25, 1776.
Location. 39° 56.907′ N, 75° 8.735′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker is at the intersection of Chestnut Street and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east on Chestnut Street
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Declaration of Independence (here, next to this marker); Mechanics' Union of Trade Associations (a few steps from this marker); Elliott Building (a few steps from this marker); The Arsenal of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Declaration of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); Secretary of the Treasury’s Office Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The McAllister Family Opthamalic Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Auditor’s Office Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
2. Washington Crossing the Delaware Marker
The marker can be seen to the right of the plaque.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
3. Marker at the Museum of the American Revolution
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
4. Washington Crossing the Delaware Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
