The American Revolution That Wouldn't Die

A Moment in American History

The most famous December event involving the American Revolution was Washington's Crossing of the Delaware. It was just six months after the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Revolution was just about lost. The British had invaded New York and completely routed Washington's Army, destroying much of it, and driving the Americans through New Jersey and acorss the Delaward into Pennsylvania.

The British stationed a force of German mecenaries called Hessians in Trenton, on the the New Jersey side of the Delaware, to watch the Americans. Washington decided then and there not to let the Revolution die.

On Christmas night, 1776, he led his ragged, tired, cold and hungry American army back across the Delaware, during a howling nor'easter, to take the Hessians by surprise. The Hessians had been celebrating Christmas and weren't exactly in fighting shape. Washington routed them, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men, and served noticed that the American army was not through yet.

In early 1777, Washington followed up on the victory at Trenton and pretty much took New Jersey back from the enemy. Washington's crossing is seen by many as the turning point of the American Revolution.

It was Christmas 1776, and it was a merry one for the United States.

Susan Sloan
James Waldrop Chapter DAR
Fayetteville, GA

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