Across which river did George Washington lead his army on December 25–26, 1776?

George Washington led his army across the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776.

The crossing was part of a surprise operation against Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington’s force crossed from Pennsylvania in difficult winter conditions, including ice-filled water and strong winds. The army reached New Jersey early on December 26 and attacked the garrison at Trenton.

The Battle of Trenton ended in an important American victory. Washington captured approximately 900 Hessian soldiers, along with supplies and weapons, while American losses were small. The success helped revive Continental morale after a series of defeats and expiring enlistments.

The famous 1851 painting Washington Crossing the Delaware portrays the event dramatically, but it is not a literal photograph of the crossing. The painting uses artistic symbolism and includes anachronistic details, while the historical operation involved multiple boats and a larger group of soldiers than the image suggests.