George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, before attacking Hessian forces at Trenton.
The operation took place during a severe period for the Continental Army. British and Hessian victories had driven Washington's army across New Jersey, and enlistments were close to expiring. Washington planned a surprise attack to restore morale and disrupt the enemy's control of the region. His main force crossed from Pennsylvania into New Jersey near McConkey's Ferry.
Ice, strong winds, sleet, snow, and darkness made the crossing dangerous. Two supporting crossings were planned, but weather and river conditions prevented them from succeeding as intended. Washington's main column completed the crossing, marched to Trenton, and attacked on December 26, capturing the Hessian garrison.
The famous crossing was followed by additional Delaware crossings during the campaign. Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting made the episode one of the best-known images of the American Revolution, although the painting uses dramatic artistic staging rather than documentary realism.