Washington Crossing Historic Park: Pennsylvania Trail of History Guide

A concise look at the American Revolution in 1776, the year George Washington and his army experienced numerous defeats, forcing them to retreat from New Jersey to Pennsylvania by December. The demoralized troops lacked food and clothing, and Washington realized a victory was needed to keep the revolution alive. On the morning of December 26, he led his troops across the icy Delaware River, from the site of the historic park, and attacked the unsuspecting Hessians at Trenton. The victory aroused a new spirit in the army and changed the course of the war.