On 26 December 1776 George Washington's Continental Army surprised the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey, the morning after crossing the Delaware River. Most of the garrison was captured after a short fight, and the victory lifted American morale.
A surprise attack
Washington crossed the Delaware with the main body of his army on the night of 25 to 26 December. The Hessian garrison, about 1,400 men under Colonel Johann Rall, had no long-distance outposts or patrols and was caught off guard.1
Losses and effects
The Hessians lost 22 killed, 83 wounded and 896 captured, the wounded included. The Americans lost two men on the march and five wounded in the battle. Rall was mortally wounded and died soon after.
Our article on the Battle of Trenton covers the crossing and the attack. › Battle of Trenton, 1776
Also on this day
1806: Battle of Pułtusk. French troops under Marshal Jean Lannes fought a larger Russian army under Levin von Bennigsen near Pułtusk, in the war against the Fourth Coalition.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Trenton?
It was fought on the morning of 26 December 1776 in Trenton, New Jersey, after Washington's crossing of the Delaware River the night before.
Who won the Battle of Trenton?
The Continental Army under George Washington won against the Hessian garrison under Colonel Johann Rall.
How many Hessians were captured?
About 896, according to the usual figures, which means most of the garrison.
Notes
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