December 26, 1776
Battle of Trenton

Despite Washington's defeats in New York, he was not willing to sit by while the British occupied all of New Jersey. On Christmas Night, Washington surprised the British by leading a group of 2,400 troops across the Delaware. At the same time, James Ewing was to capture a ferry just south of the city.

Despite the ice floating down the river, Washington succeeded in crossing the river and leading his men. At a few minutes before 8:00, Washington and Ewing's troops met at Trenton. The Americans set up on the streets of the city. As the enemy soldiers, who had been up late celebrating Christmas, took to the streets, they were killed.

Within an hour, the battle was over, 22 enemy soldiers were dead, 98 were wounded and almost a thousand were being held prisoner. Only four colonists, however, were wounded. Washington returned with his triumphant forces to Pennsylvania.  As the year ended, Washington had 5000 men in Trenton.

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