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Revolutionary Replica: A Boat That Crossed the Delaware
2 Jul
Summary
- A full-scale replica of George Washington's Durham boat has been built.
- The replica used locally sourced wood and handmade 18th-century construction.
- Visitors can now walk onto the boat at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
A meticulously crafted, full-scale replica of the Durham boat, historically significant for George Washington's 1776 Christmas crossing of the Delaware, is now on display at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
The project, undertaken by the Seaport Boat Shop Independence Seaport Museum (ISM), prioritized historical accuracy. The replica features wood sourced from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, mirroring the local materials used in the 18th century.
Construction involved traditional techniques, including steam-bending frames and shaping the wood with period tools like spokeshaves. Nearly every component, down to the bolts, was handmade to replicate the original vessels.
This new exhibit allows visitors to board the 40-foot-long, 3500 lb boat, experiencing its grand dimensions and the surprisingly cramped interior that housed soldiers. It is the first of its kind at the park, offering direct interaction.
The boat's completion is part of a larger revitalization effort at the park for America's 250th anniversary, enhancing the visitor experience with living history programs.
Officially installed by the end of July, the Durham boat will remain a permanent fixture at Washington Crossing Historic Park, preserved for future generations.
