America 250: Anniversary of the Battle of Trenton

On December 26, 1776, the full might of General George Washington's Continental Army was revealed along the frozen riverbanks of Pennsylvania when the Patriots triumphed at the Battle of Trenton-one of the most legendary battles in American history, which rescued the Revolution and rekindled the cause of independence in the heart of every American.

Just months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Patriots' rally for freedomhad nearly collapsed. Driven from New York, beaten across New Jersey, and forced into Pennsylvania, the Continental Army was exhausted, undersupplied, and on the verge of breaking down. General Washington determined that only a bold and decisive victory could reverse the tides of misfortune. Across the Delaware River, he saw in the Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey-German soldiers fighting for the British-a desperately-needed opportunity to seize back momentum and change the course of the war and the course of history.

On Christmas night, as a fierce winter storm swept across the region, Washington ordered 2,400 weary soldiers into boats and began his epic crossing of the Delaware River-a moment now immortalized in the American imagination. Despite extraordinary dangers, his men pushed artillery, horses, and provisions through ice-choked waters for 11 hours, then marched 9 gruelingmiles-many without boots on their feet-toward Trenton through unrelenting cold, leaving a trail of blood in the snowy hills.

At dawn, General Washington's troops gathered in frigid darkness to prepare for a surprise strike against the Hessian auxiliaries hired by the British. They advanced on the town from two directions. American cannons opened fire, Patriot infantry pressed forward, and the Hessian defenders- caught off guard-struggled to mount an organized response. After 2 hours of close fighting, the 900 Hessian mercenaries surrendered, and the Continental Army emerged triumphant.

The crossing of the Delaware and the victory at Trenton-steered by the fearless leadership of General Washington-restored confidence in the American cause and changed the Revolution. The Patriots' victory proved that courage and determination could overcome fear and despair. Despite being exhausted, unpaid, under-equipped, and teetering on the edge of defeat, they valiantly showed the world that they were not only capable of winning but also that they would never waver in their righteous crusade for independence and that the American spirit would always triumph over forces of anguish, adversity, and affliction.

In the harsh winter of 1776, our ancestors demonstrated that, when the future of our Nation is threatened, Americans endure and prevail. Their endurance in the face of cold, hunger, and uncertainty laid the foundation for the country we now uphold. Today, we salute the valiant men whose victory at Trenton secured our proud inheritance of liberty. As we approach 250 glorious years of American independence and continue the work of saving our country, we look to their unwavering grit, valor, and patriotism-and in their honor, we vow to never stop fighting for the sacred causes that sustain our Republic, our way of life, and our birthright of freedom.