On what date did General George Washington cross the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton?

George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776, before attacking Trenton.

The Continental Army crossing began after dark during a harsh winter campaign. Washington’s force traveled from Pennsylvania toward New Jersey, intending to surprise Hessian troops stationed at Trenton. Ice, wind, and difficult river conditions delayed the operation, and not all planned troops reached the New Jersey shore.

The army nevertheless attacked Trenton at dawn on December 26. The Continental victory captured nearly 900 Hessian soldiers and restored confidence after a series of American defeats. Washington followed the success with another victory at Princeton in January 1777.

The event became one of the Revolution’s most recognizable images, especially through Emanuel Leutze’s later painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. The famous painting is not a literal photographic record, and its boat, composition, and passengers include artistic choices.