Washington has a very risky plan - to strike Trenton in the middle of Christmas night. Will his plan work? Or will the Continental Army be defeated, once and for all?
Crossing the Delaware
Washington and his troops first had to cross the Delaware River in order to start their attack. However, this proved to be harder than they expected.
Rowing Across
John Cadwalader
John Cadwalader was supposed to lead troops and follow Washington across the Delaware River, providing much-needed artillery and supplies.
What happened?
The Battles of First and Second Trenton
Washington's risky gamble paid off, despite initial difficulties - the Continental troops had surprised the Hessians and British at Trenton. But would they win the battle?
The Second Battle of TrentonInteractive Tool
Be Washington: The Battle of Second Trenton
Ever wonder how you would lead the Continental troops in the Battle of Trenton? Play Be Washington to find out!
Map: The Battle of Trenton
This digital map helps show the movement of troops in the Battle of Trenton
Map: The Battle of Second Trenton
This digital map helps show the movement of troops in the Battle of Second Trenton
Why was crossing the Delaware River considered to be so risky?
Primary Source: George Washington to James Ewing
This letter shows Washington's plans for Trenton. In this letter, he asks Ewing to send a spy over to the Hessian and British sides to see what they were up to.
Primary Source: Field Bedstead
This field bedstead was purchased a year prior to Trenton and was used by Washington throughout the war.
Primary Source: General Orders
These orders were issued the day after the Battle of Trenton, congratulating soldiers on a successful fight and encouraging them to extend their enlistment.
Primary Sources
Click the links to explore Primary Sources on the American Revolution
- The Declaration of Independence
- George Washington to Martha Washington, 1775
- General George Washington
- George Washington to Lund Washington, 1775
- American Crises by Thomas Paine
- Enlistment Form
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- George Washington's Trunk Plate
- George Washington to James Ewing
- General Orders December 27, 1776
- Field Bedstead
- The Battles of Trenton and Princeton Maps
Secondary Sources
Click the links to read Secondary Sources on the American Revolution
- The American Revolution
- American Revolution Resources
- Continental Army
- General Cornwallis
- Battles Washington Fought In
- Music in Battle
- Military Weapons
- The Declaration of Independence
- Why did George Washington join the Revolutionary War?
- Thomas Paine
- The Battle of Trenton
- The Battle of Second Trenton
- Be Washington: The Battle of Second Trenton
- John Cadwalader
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
Watch The Winter Patriots
Learn the Battles of Princeton and Trenton with this 30 minute film!
The Winter Patriots Home
Click the link to go back to The Winter Patriots Resources
Link to Homepage