Battle of Trenton
Trenton, New Jersey
What happened
General George Washington led the American Continental Army against the Hessian garrison of Trenton, German soldiers fighting for Britain under Colonel Johann Rall. After losing New York and retreating across New Jersey, Washington's army was tired and losing hope. On Christmas night 1776, about 2,400 of his soldiers crossed the icy Delaware River through sleet and snow. At dawn they surprised the Hessian soldiers in Trenton, and in a short fight most of the Hessians were captured.
Why it matters
Result: American victory. Leaders: George Washington / Nathanael Greene against Johann Rall. Why it matters: The surprise victory lifted the spirits of the Americans when the Revolution seemed close to failing. Together with the victory at Princeton days later, it led many new recruits to join the Continental Army.
What came next
A week later Washington held off a British attack at Assunpink Creek, then won again at Princeton on January 3, 1777.
Did you know?
The famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware was made by Emanuel Leutze in 1851, 75 years after the battle, and hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Timeline
- December 25-26, 1776Washington's army crosses the Delaware River at night.
- December 26, 1776The Americans capture most of the Hessian garrison at Trenton.
- January 3, 1777Washington wins at Princeton.