While there remains debate whether George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25-26, 1776, there is no dispute that it turned the tide of the war. Either way, the Continental Army under Washington’s command stormed the Hessian forces stationed at Trenton, New Jersey.

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington’s move proved to be the first sneak attack of the war campaign and as it was successful for the Continental Army, it provided a much -needed boost to morale. Washington’s crossing is especially noteworthy because he did not let all the previous failed or called off attempts made by others dissuade him.

Organizing the Crossing

As has been proven several times throughout his lifetime, our first president really enjoyed keeping secrets and communicating in code. Washington, as is the case with most of the nation’s founding fathers, was known to communicate using invisible ink and ciphers, as well as utilizing vast spy networks spread throughout the colonies.

The planning of the crossing was no different and was conducted in secret.

Washington first considered attacking the most southern British flank at Mount Holly, where a Continental Army force was already conveniently gathered, and dispatched Joseph Reed to meet with Samuel Griffin, the militia’s commander, to scout out the location’s prospects for a surprise attack.

Reed reported back that he arrived in Mount Holly on December 22, only to find Griffin ill and his men looking like a ragtag crew, but, in true American form, Griffin’s men insisted they were ready and willing to conduct whatever diversion was needed of them.

Proving their words true in the Battle of Iron Wood the very next day, Griffin’s rundown men drew the Hessians from Bordentown to far enough south they would not be able to reach Trenton when the Hessians cry for help went out.

Information gathered by Reed convinced Washington to ultimately abandon this plan of attacking Mount Holly and instead turned his focus to planning the attack against Trenton. Washington surprised troop leaders December 23, when he announced they would be conducting an attack on Trenton in three days’ time. He explained to his generals “dire necessity” outweighed any danger that might result from crossing the freezing Delaware River in the dark.

Once Washington made his December 23 announcement, men hopped into gear and plans for the attack were immediately drawn up and implemented. The boats used to carry the men across the icy river were acquired the very next day and hidden behind Taylor Island at McConkey’s Ferry. Ever the perfectionist, Washington held a final meeting with his officers to discuss final preparations for the crossing and planned attacks on the Hessians the following day.

And this was to be no late-night pleasure cruise, no, the desperate, rundown Continental Army would be crossing the Delaware River in the middle of a blinding snowstorm, in frigid temperatures, on mostly empty bellies and in battle torn clothing.

On Christmas morning, orders went out to Continental Army troops to get ready three days’ food and have fresh flint for their muskets — always ominous signs. Intelligence had reached Washington the British were planning a little Delaware crossing of their own when the river froze over, so by the afternoon of December 25, Washington and his army arrived to begin crossing the river. Troops, officers, and even the musicians were given muskets and told they were going on a secret mission — again, never a good sign.

With all his ducks now in a row, Washington’s final plan would involve crossing the Delaware River three times. One, with Washington and the largest contingency of his men to attack the foreign forces at Trenton. A second crossing was to include Cadwalader at Dunk’s Ferry, creating a diversion in the south. A third crossing was to be under Brigadier General James Ewing at Trenton Ferry. Ewing and his men were to defend the bridge at Assunpink Creek, south of Trenton, cutting off the Hessians escape. A planned fourth crossing was quickly aborted. General Israel Putnam was to cross with a contingency of his men to assist Cadwalader, but decided his men were not well enough to complete the mission.

Washington planned for once Trenton was secure, the Continental Army would then combine, regroup, and attack the British stationed in Princeton and New Brunswick.

As all previous attempts to cross the Delaware were either called off or failed, the Hessians were as snug as foreign bugs making war in another country could be, when the Continental Army approached.

Outcome

Despite these hardships, the Continental Army did what Americans have always been known for doing and won. So successful was our surprise attack that only three Americans were killed and six wounded. Not faring as well, the Hessians ended up with 22 dead and 98 men wounded.

After Washington and his men successfully routed the Hessians in the Battle of Trenton, they again crossed the Delaware River, this time reaching Pennsylvania laden with prisoners. In fact, the Americans ended up capturing almost 1,000 prisoners of war, as well as taking possession of ammunition such as muskets, gunpowder, and those all-important war drums.

Ultimately, only Washington and his men made it across the Delaware, and they were detained by three hours. General Cadwalader and Ewing became mired in snow and ice. Washington’s group made it to the other side thanks to a group of New England servicemen who were able to expertly guide their boats the roughly 300 yards or approximately 268 meters across. Some have suggested at the location where Washington crossed it may have been as wide as 850 or 1,000 feet.

The Hessians were warned of Washington’s imminent arrival, but their commander Johann Rall’s false sense of bravado lulled them into inaction. This proved costly for Rall in particular, who was mortally wounded in the battle and died the following day.

Due to the howling winds, sleet and snow throwing him way behind schedule, Washington considered calling the whole thing off. Proving Americans have always carried a fighting spirit, Washington did not let a little weather or Father Time hold him back. Instead, he chose to persevere. Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River will always be a source of American lore because his success looks like a Christmas miracle.