On which night did George Washington lead the Continental Army across the Delaware River?

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

The crossing was the opening move of a surprise operation against Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington's main force crossed from Pennsylvania during severe winter weather, with ice, sleet, snow, and strong winds making the movement dangerous.

The army began crossing after dark on December 25 and completed the operation in the early hours of December 26. Henry Knox supervised the movement of troops, horses, supplies, and eighteen artillery pieces. Two additional planned crossings were canceled or failed to contribute significantly, but Washington's main column reached New Jersey.

The Continental Army attacked Trenton on the morning of December 26 and captured nearly 1,000 prisoners. The victory revived Patriot morale after a series of defeats around New York. Washington later crossed the river again with prisoners and captured supplies, and then led further operations at Trenton and Princeton.