Actor Crosses the Delaware for Last Time

James Gallagher led America’s revolutionary forces across the fast-moving Delaware River for the last time Wednesday.

More than 9,000 people watched the former Marine close out his 12-year run dressing up as George Washington for the annual Christmas Day reenactment of the 1776 Delaware River crossing.

“There was a lot of nostalgia, and there were a lot of people there greeting me for the last time,” said Gallagher, 76, who cited the stress involved with the role as the reason for giving it up.

As in previous years, Gallagher donned a white wig, black hat and 40-pound Revolutionary War costume. He surveyed the troops and recited, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” from Thomas Paine’s “American Crisis.”

This year, he also addressed his officers with the farewell address Washington gave to his troops as the general retired from the Army.

“With heart full of love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you,” the World War II veteran and retired systems consultant told the crowd.

Gallagher is the third person to play Washington since the reenactment began in 1952 with actor St. John Terrell in the lead role. Jack Kelly, brother of the late Princess Grace of Monaco, played the part for 25 years, until 1985.

The route follows Washington’s nighttime navigation of the ice-clogged river to surprise British troops camped at Trenton, N.J. About 1,000 Hessian mercenaries on the British side were captured, and 100 were wounded or killed. Washington’s force suffered only 10 casualties.