Washington Crossing the Delaware

In December of 1776, times were desperate for George Washington. The continental army was encamped in Pennsylvania and were unsure of their future. During the night of December 25, Washington led his troops across the ice covered Delaware about nine miles north of Trenton. The weather was horrendous and the river treacherous. Raging winds combined with snow, sleet and rain to produce almost impossible conditions. To add to the difficulties, a significant number of Washington's force marched through the snow without shoes. The next morning they attacked to the south, taking the Hessian garrison by surprise and over-running the town. After fierce fighting, and the loss of their commander, the Hessians surrendered.