George Washington led 2,400 Continental soldiers across the Delaware River on Christmas night to mount a surprise attack against the Hessians (German auxiliaries) in Trenton, New Jersey early the next morning.

After suffering numerous defeats, the resulting battle proved a decisive victory that inspired re-enlistments and boosted Patriot morale. It was a desperately needed turning point in their war for independence that would last almost seven more years.

Washington Crossing the Delaware by George Caleb Bingham