Which river did George Washington cross during the 1776 attack near Trenton?

George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the 1776 attack near Trenton.

Washington and the Continental Army crossed the river on the night of December 25–26, 1776. Their objective was Trenton, New Jersey, where Hessian troops serving Britain were stationed. The crossing took place in difficult winter conditions, including ice and strong wind.

The army attacked at dawn on December 26 and captured most of the Hessian force. The victory restored American morale after a series of defeats and helped persuade soldiers to extend their enlistments.

The operation is frequently associated with Emanuel Leutze’s monumental painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. The painting was created decades later and is an artistic interpretation rather than a literal record of every detail. Washington made another Delaware crossing during the campaign in late December.