The Battle of Trenton was the 1776 battle in which George Washington captured a Hessian garrison in New Jersey.
Washington attacked Trenton on the morning of December 26, 1776, after leading Continental Army troops across the Delaware River during the night. The garrison consisted mainly of German troops from Hesse-Kassel serving Britain. The surprise attack ended with most of the Hessian force captured and the Americans in control of the town.
The victory was militarily limited but politically important. The Continental Army had recently suffered defeats around New York and retreated across New Jersey, while enlistments were close to expiring. Success at Trenton improved morale, encouraged soldiers to remain in service, and helped attract new recruits.
The battle is often linked directly with the famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware, but the crossing and the battle were separate events. Washington’s army crossed the river on the night of December 25–26, then marched to Trenton for the attack.