Battle of Trenton

The Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776 stands as one of the most dramatic and consequential moments in American history. After months of defeats, retreats, and near-dissolution of the Continental Army, Washington executed a daring plan that transformed the war. By Christmas 1776 his army had dwindled to perhaps 2,400 effective troops. Most enlistments expired January 1. Congress had fled Philadelphia. The Revolution appeared to be dying.

Washington's target was the Hessian garrison at Trenton — 1,500 German mercenaries under Colonel Johann Rall settled into comfortable winter quarters. Washington chose a three-pronged crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night. Storms of sleet and snow battered the men. Chunks of ice threatened to sink the boats. The two supporting columns turned back. Washington's own column of 2,400 men and eighteen cannon crossed successfully, arriving hours behind schedule.

At 8 AM on December 26, Washington's two columns struck Trenton from two directions simultaneously. The Hessians were caught completely off guard. Rall, who had received several warnings of the attack and dismissed them, scrambled to organize a defense but his men were disoriented and confused. American cannon dominated the two main streets, sweeping them with grapeshot and preventing the Hessians from forming. Rall was mortally wounded trying to rally his men. In less than an hour the entire Hessian garrison surrendered. Washington's army captured 900 prisoners, six cannon, and enormous quantities of supplies while suffering only two men dead from frostbite and five wounded.

The news spread across the continent with electric effect. Men who had been about to go home re-enlisted. New recruits poured in. Congress returned to Philadelphia. France and European powers took new notice of the American cause. The political and psychological impact was immeasurable — Washington had transformed apparent certain defeat into stunning victory at the exact moment the Revolution needed it most.