Across which river did George Washington lead his army on Christmas night in 1776?

George Washington led his army across the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.

Washington’s Continental Army crossed from Pennsylvania into New Jersey during the night of December 25–26, 1776. The operation preceded a surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton on December 26, producing an important American victory.

The crossing was dangerous because of darkness, cold weather, ice, and strong river conditions. The army used several boats, including sturdy Durham boats, to move soldiers, horses, and artillery. Not every planned crossing party completed its mission.

Emanuel Leutze’s enormous 1851 painting Washington Crossing the Delaware made the event one of the best-known images of the Revolution. The painting is an artistic interpretation, not a literal photograph of the difficult nighttime operation.