December 26, 1776 — At approximately 8 a.m. this morning, General George Washington’s Continental Army reached the outskirts of Trenton, New Jersey, and descended on the Hessian forces guarding the city.

Historians explain: “Trenton’s 1,400 Hessian defenders were groggy from the previous evening’s Christmas festivities and had underestimated the Patriot threat after months of decisive British victories throughout New York.”

The troops of the Continental Army quickly overwhelmed the German defenses, and by 9:30 a.m.Trenton was completely surrounded.

Sources

• thestarshollowgazette.com