1776: George Washington Crosses the Delaware River

George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of Christmas in 1776 as part of a sneak attack against the troops of Johann Rall quartered in Trenton, New Jersey. Commanders John Sullivan, Nathaneal Green, John Glover and Henry Knox joined Washington with the crossing alone with 2,400 troops, 18 cannons, baggage, and about 50-75 horses. The weather was dreadful and the ice on the river prevented them from arriving until 3:00 a.m. the next morning. Of the actual attack, only three Americans were killed and six were wounded. However, 22 Hessians were killed, 98 were wounded and 1,000 prisoners were captured. (Image: Wikimedia)