The Battle of Trenton

The Battle of Trenton occurred on December 26, 1776 it was a surprise attack by Washington and his army of 2,400 men. Washington decided to make a last attack before they enter into the winter camp because he didn’t want to lose New Jersey. So Washington made a council that decided that they would attack in the day after Christmas, and will cross the Delaware River in Christmas day without British being able to notice it.

George Washington crossing the Delaware

The town of Trenton was secured by 1,500 Hessians that were commanded by Colonel Rall. In the morning he didn’t send a patrol unit so they never realized that they were going to be attacked. At 8 o’clock in the morning Washington ordered the attack. When they attacked the Hessians tried to resist, but they were surrounded. The Americans killed Colonel Roll, but also killed or injured 150 Hessians, captured 900 of them. 500 Hessians escaped through the Delaware River. 

This was the first victory of the Americans in the war, and it also restored the American morale.

Map with the location of trrops