Independence Day: 7 important victories in the American Revolution

The Battle of Trenton – Dec. 26, 1776

In desperate need of a major victory, General George Washington famously led his Continental Army across the Delaware River to attack an encampment of Hessians, German soldiers who were employed by the British Army.

On the morning after Christmas, after traversing through fierce wintry weather, Washington’s forces attacked the encampment at Trenton, New Jersey, surprising the Hessians.

“In only one hour of fighting, the Continental Army captured nearly nine hundred Hessian officers and soldiers as well as a large supply of muskets, bayonets, swords, and cannons,” wrote Professor Cody Lass of Texas Tech University for the official Mount Vernon website.

“Washington assembled all of his officers in Trenton to discuss whether they should attack another post, hold their position in Trenton, or retreat back across the Delaware River. Washington decided that because of the condition of his army, the best move was to return to their camps across the river.”