Battle of Trenton

The Battle of Trenton was a small but crucial American Revolutionary War battle that took place in Trenton, New Jersey, on December 26, 1776. General George Washington led the main bulk of the Continental Army against Hessian troops garrisoned at Trenton after crossing the Delaware River north of Trenton the night before. Almost two-thirds of the Hessian army was captured after a quick action, with the Americans suffering only minor casualties.

The Americans had suffered a series of setbacks before to this engagement, forcing them to withdraw across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. The Continental Army's morale was at an all-time low, and many troops had deserted. At this point, George Washington, the Continental Army's Commander-in-Chief, devised a daring plan to assault the enemy soldiers stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. The legendary crossing of the Delaware River, which was completed "with almost great difficulty," was made first by the American soldiers. They then overcame the German missionaries at Trenton in just an hour, killing over 100 people.

The Americans only lost two men and were injured by five others. More crucially, over 900 men were apprehended, along with supplies, weapons, and ammunition. With the seized men and supplies, the American force crossed the Delaware River and returned to Pennsylvania. The stunning American victory at Trenton improved the Continental Army's morale, emboldened colonial rebels, and resulted in additional recruits joining the army. Despite the modest number of soldiers that participated in the combat, the victory emboldened patriots and supporters across the newly founded United States. The army appeared to be on the point of collapsing a week ago, with the success of the unfolding revolution in doubt. Soldiers were encouraged to serve longer and fresh recruits were recruited to the ranks as a result of the stunning triumph.

Date: December 26, 1776