When did Washington cross the Delaware to surprise the enemy?
December 25, 1776
On December 25, 1776 George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey in a surprise attack on the British. They had a decisive victory that helped turn the war back to the American’s favor.
Why did Washington cross the Delaware to surprise the enemy at Trenton?
Washington crossed the Delaware River so that his army could attack an isolated garrison of Hessian troops located at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington hoped that a quick victory at Trenton would bolster sagging morale in his army and encourage more men to join the ranks of the Continentals come the new year.
When did Washington cross the Delaware?
George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River/Start dates
On the night of December 25, 1776, General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River. They launched a surprise attack on Hessian forces in New Jersey. The Hessians were hired German soldiers who fought for the British. This was a key moment in the American Revolution.
Who did Washington fight when he crossed the Delaware?
Hessians
Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 allowed his army to strike the Hessians at Trenton the next morning.
Did Washington cross the Delaware?
On December 25, 1776, General George Washington and a small army of 2400 men crossed the Delaware River at McConkey’s Ferry, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on their way to successfully attack a Hessian garrison of 1500 at Trenton, New Jersey.
Where was the crossing of the Delaware River?
Both sides of the Delaware River where the crossing took place have been preserved, in an area designated as the Washington’s Crossing National Historic Landmark. In this district, Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, preserves the area in Pennsylvania, and Washington Crossing State Park marks the New Jersey side.
Who was in the army when Washington crossed the Delaware?
Future President James Monroe and Chief Justice John Marshall were both part of the army at the time of the crossing. Emmanuel Leutze painted a famous painting called Washington Crossing the Delaware (see the painting at the top of the page). It’s a beautiful painting, but not very historically accurate.
Is there a movie about the crossing of the Delaware?
Fictional portrayals in film of the crossing have also been made, with perhaps the most notable recent one being The Crossing, a 2000 television movie starring Jeff Daniels as George Washington. A image of Washington Crossing the Delaware has also appeared on the 1999 New Jersey State Quarter and on the reverse of the 2021 Quarter.
Who was on the other side of the Delaware River?
On one side of the Delaware River, George Washington and the Continental Army camped. On the other side, a British army of Hessian soldiers held the town of Trenton. It was also Christmas and, with an icy and dangerous river between the two armies, it did not look to be a day for fighting.