Writing about the past-what tense to use?

Writing about the past. Having trouble with tense in chapter headings.
Is it
George Washington crossed the Delaware. or
George Washington crosses the Delaware.

The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. or
The Pilgrims arrive in Plymouth.

Anne Hutchinson was banned from Massachusetts. or
Anne Hutchinson is banned from Massachusetts.

The second seems correct/sounds right.
Then, in the body of the text,
George got into a boat. not
George gets into a boat.

Miles Standish went ashore. not
Miles Standish goes ashore.

Anne left for Rhode Island. not
Anne leaves for Rhode Island.

Somehow the tense changes from Chapter heading to text.
What is correct?
Thanks;
joe b.