George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. This daring and strategically brilliant maneuver led to the surprise attack and victory against Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey, revitalizing the American cause at a critical juncture.
Context
• By late 1776, morale among the Continental Army was low. Washington’s forces had suffered a series of defeats and were in retreat through New Jersey, ultimately crossing into Pennsylvania.
• The enlistments of many soldiers were set to expire at the end of the year, adding urgency to Washington’s need for a decisive action.
The Plan
• Washington devised a bold plan to cross the icy Delaware River under the cover of night and attack the Hessian garrison at Trenton, known for being a well-trained but unsuspecting force of German mercenaries allied with the British.
• The attack was planned for the early morning of December 26, capitalizing on the Hessians’ likely reduced vigilance after Christmas celebrations.
The Crossing
• The crossing was fraught with challenges:
• Weather: The night was bitterly cold, with a nor’easter bringing snow, sleet, and strong winds.
• Ice: The river was choked with ice floes, making navigation treacherous.
• Coordination: Washington led approximately 2,400 soldiers, along with horses, artillery, and equipment, across the river in Durham boats, which were large flat-bottomed vessels suited for such conditions.
The Attack
• Washington’s forces reached the New Jersey side of the river around 3:00 a.m. and began their march to Trenton, covering nine miles in freezing weather.
• The Hessians, under Colonel Johann Rall, were taken by complete surprise. Many of the Hessian soldiers were unprepared for battle and quickly overwhelmed.
• The battle was brief but decisive. Approximately 22 Hessians were killed, 92 wounded, and nearly 1,000 captured. The Continental Army suffered only a handful of casualties.
Significance
• The victory at Trenton boosted American morale and demonstrated Washington’s leadership and strategic genius.
• It encouraged enlistments and re-enlistments in the Continental Army, which was critical for sustaining the fight against British forces.
• This success was followed by another victory at Princeton on January 3, 1777, further solidifying the momentum of the American cause.
The crossing remains an iconic moment in American history, symbolizing resilience, ingenuity, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Emanuel Leutze’s famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, immortalizes the event, though it takes some artistic liberties for dramatic effect.