The Battle of Trenton

George Washington crossing the Delaware on
Christmas night of 1776

During the American Revolution countless of battles took place. In class we have studied many of them so we decided to start with some of them that seemed important to us. They will go chronologically.
The first one of them all is The Battle of Trenton.


Date: 25th December 1776

Place: Trenton, New Jersey on the Delaware River

The Battle of Trenton

Generals: General George Washington against Colonel Rahl.

There were: 2,400 American troops with 18 guns. 1,400 Hessians with 6 light guns.

Winner: George Washington with his army ( The Patriots)



Washington’s plan was to cross the Delaware at three points with a force commanded by Lt Col Cadwallader with a Rhode Island regiment, some Pennsylvanians, Delaware militia and two guns, a second force under Brigadier Ewing of militia and the third commanded by himself which would cross the river above Trenton and attack the Hessian garrison in the town. Washington had as his subordinates, Major Generals Nathaniel Greene and John Sullivan.

It was a really cold dark night and the river was running with pieces of ice.  ---> Poor soldiers!


 At about 11pm a heavy snow storm started. Washington’s force did not reach the east bank until around 3am. His soldiers were badly clothed and many did not have shoes.------------------------> Even worse!

The surrender to General George Washington of the dying Hessian commander, Colonel Rahl, at the Battle of Trenton

After this Washington’s men marched to Trenton, some of the men even left traces of blood on the snow.

On the night before the attack Rahl was at dinner when he was brought information that the Americans were approaching. He ignored the message which was found in his pocket after his death. -----> next time you better watch out

This battle gave the American colonies like a moral push. They felt stronger now than the British and also including the fact that British troops could barely defend themselves during the battle after their surrender.