Which river did George Washington cross during the 1776 Christmas military operation?

George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the 1776 Christmas military operation.

Washington led Continental Army troops across the river from Pennsylvania into New Jersey during the night of December 25–26, 1776. The army then attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton on December 26. The victory restored morale after a series of defeats and helped preserve the revolutionary army during a dangerous period.

The crossing became famous through Emanuel Leutze’s 1851 painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware. The painting is dramatic and contains artistic liberties, including the appearance of a large boat and a varied group of passengers. The historical operation involved difficult winter conditions, multiple boats, ice, and a coordinated movement of soldiers, artillery, and horses. The river crossing and the Battle of Trenton are related but separate events.