Washington and His Army Crossed the Delaware
Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
Marker Inscription
Near this spot Washington and His Army Crossed the Delaware on the Night of December 25, 1776
The Story
On the bitter night of December 25, 1776, George Washington ferried the Continental Army across the ice-choked Delaware River in a daring surprise maneuver, then marched inland through freezing sleet toward Trenton. The gamble came at one of the Revolution's darkest hours, with enlistments expiring and the cause near collapse. The next morning his troops overwhelmed the Hessian garrison at Trenton in a stunning, nearly bloodless victory. Markers like this one trace the routes and river approaches the army used on that pivotal march.
Why it matters
The crossing and the victory at Trenton that followed revived a faltering rebellion, restoring morale and convincing wavering soldiers and citizens that independence was still within reach.
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Related people
- · George Washington
Related events
- · Washington's Crossing of the Delaware
- · Battle of Trenton
Themes & tags
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