The Continental Army won the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, a pivotal victory linked to the America250 story.
George Washington led the main American force against Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The attack followed the Continental Army’s difficult crossing of the Delaware River during the night of December 25–26.
The American victory was militarily limited but politically important. Washington’s troops captured hundreds of Hessian soldiers while suffering very few battle casualties, helping restore morale after serious defeats around New York and New Jersey.
The battle is often associated with Christmas because the crossing began on Christmas night. However, the fighting at Trenton occurred on the morning of December 26, which is the battle’s standard date.