George Washington’s army began crossing the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, during the Revolutionary War.
Washington ordered the hazardous night crossing to attack Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. The operation began after dark on Christmas night, but ice and severe weather delayed the army, so the attack started on the morning of December 26.
The Continental force crossed from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in several groups. The main crossing used Durham boats, which were sturdy craft capable of carrying soldiers, horses, artillery, and supplies through difficult river conditions.
The resulting Battle of Trenton was a major American victory. The crossing date is often confused with December 26, the date of the battle itself, or with January 3, 1777, when Washington won at Princeton.