Battle of Trenton

Trenton, Battle of, American victory in the Revolutionary War, fought on Dec. 26, 1776. To forestall a British attack on Philadelphia, George Washington crossed the Delaware River at night and surprised a British force of 1,500 Hessians at Trenton, NJ. The battle was won in 45 minutes, rallying Washington's army and the American cause.

See also: Revolutionary War in America.