Battle of Trenton

Date: December 25^th, 1776

Location: Trenton, New Jersey by the Delaware River

Fighters: Americans vs. Hessians and British troops

Generals: General George Washington vs. Colonel Rahl

Armies: 2,400 Americans with 18 guns vs. 1,400 Hessians with 6 light guns

Outcome:  Victory for Washington and his American troops

So, what is this you may ask? Well these are some important facts about the Battle of Trenton that took place on Christmas Day in 1776. The background story is that the Patriots or Americans, however you may call them, were driven out of New York by the British and had to retreat to somewhere close to the Delaware River during the summer of 1776. This was a huge disadvantage for the Americans.

Summer passed by and winter came along. The Continental Army (the American troops) didn’t have any uniforms, some men didn’t have any shoes or proper protection against the harsh winter. Many had to wrap pieces of clothes around their feet for protection. It seemed like the army wasn’t going to be able to endure the winter for long. Washington came up with the idea to attack the Hessians at Trenton. The Patriots had to march a long distance and cross the river. It is said that a person could trace the path that they took because of the blood that some men left in the snow. Can you imagine walking for miles, with no shoes, and the independence of your country resting on your shoulders? Not something that many are up for.

This surprise attack, well obviously surprised the Hessians and the British troops. Colonel Rahl was fatally wounded and the British had to surrender. Another thing that helped the Patriots is that the Hessians were low on ammunitions and supplies which also made them retreat.

Washington’s army crossing the Delaware River in the freezing weather is something important for the U.S and many have seen the famous painting of it.