THE DELAWARE CROSSING: WASHINGTON’S BOLD MOVE THAT CHANGED AMERICA’S FATE


By bblouin
Washington crossing the Delaware

The holidays have plenty of different traditions among families that bring communities together throughout the United States in December. However, for the Continental Army, the holidays were less about decking the halls and more about dropping British and German troops during the American Revolutionary War. Christmas night is when George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River would take place. One of the most iconic military maneuvers in the history of our nation—even if it is a bit exaggerated.

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Why Did George Washington Cross the Delaware River?

During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington crossed the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton to attack Hessians who were in New Jersey fighting against the Continental Army.

Washington picked Christmas night to begin his voyage and led his men to fight around 1,400 Hessians in the area.

Although the Americans were fighting against Great Britain, the English had help during the conflict with a notable boost from German auxiliaries known as Hessians.

It was a daring idea that needed to work so that more colonists would feel inspired to join the war effort.

Many colonists specifically looked to the use of Hessian fighters as a pain point for living under English rule.

Furthermore, the war hadn’t been great for the Continental Army and those already fighting needed a morale boost of their own.

Chilling Prospects

Careful planning went into Washington crossing the Delaware, as multiple military minds came together to formulate a plan.

The American forces making the trek decided to bring all the watercraft they could on the river’s southern bank so that they would be available to cross back for Americans, yet inaccessible to British forces.

However, the conditions were frigid and typical for the region during the winter. In fact, things would only get worse as a winter storm would form.

Shallow draft Durham boats were used to transport iron ore and other large, heavy items, making them perfect for transporting a large amount of troops with military equipment.

Furthermore, they featured high walls on the side of the vessels that could stand up to the Delaware River’s icy conditions.

Artillery along with horses were brought over by ferries and other watercraft capable of braving those intense conditions.

Troops crossing the Delaware with Washington were also forced to stand as sitting wasn’t just an uncomfortable prospect but also a cold and wet one.

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Washington Planned Multiple Delaware Crossings

While Washington’s Christmas crossing of the Delaware is infamous, what is less known is that more than one was planned—there were supposed to be three separate crossings that night.

George Washington’s plan to spread a special form of Christmas cheer was to have Col. John Cadwalader lead men around Burlington, New Jersey, where they would cross the Delaware River before causing problems south of Trenton to hinder reinforcements.

Gen. James Ewing was also tasked with taking men to defend near the bridge and banks of the Assunpink River so that the Hessians couldn’t retreat from Trenton.

Even with ideal conditions, this was going to be a challenging strategy to execute and because the river had so much ice Cadwalader and Ewing’s men couldn’t make it across.

Furthermore, Gen. Washington was able to manage the trek; however, they still faced a three-hour delay due to conditions continuing to deteriorate.

The white Christmas was a challenge but the experienced men who knew the river and were a part of Washington’s crew under Col. John Glover’s Marblehead regiment were able to lend their expertise and strength to the mission.

However, Washington crossing the Delaware didn’t just have the weather to contend with or unfortunate logistics, there were also spies.

Something’s In the Water

Espionage is a delicate game and the British knew they needed spies to remain loyal to their cause if they were going to defeat the American uprising.

British Major General James Grant had a spy listening to Washington’s plans and he warned Col. Johann Rall who was stationed in Trenton of a potential attack.

The problem for the British forces was that Col. Rall believed they could take on the Americans with ease.

Furthermore, there were several other warnings by deserters and loyalists but after several false alarms and the impending winter storm, Rall decided that it was nothing more than a rumor.

It was the perfect Boxing Day gift he could have provided for the Americans who were able to march to Trenton, defeat the Hessians, and inspire Americans who had previously lost a bit of hope in their cause due to a series of defeats.

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Washington Crossing the Delaware Immortalized by Emanuel Leutze

When Washington and his men took the voyage across the Delaware River, they did it for the opportunity to improve their chances and inspire a nation. Many years later, these efforts remain successful.

Not only in the fact that the United States go on to win the war, but the specific event was preserved in infamy thanks to a painting in 1851 by Emanuel Leutze.

Washington Crossing the Delaware continues to capture audiences across the world, showing the bravery it took to ensure American independence.

The German painter had his work shipped stateside in the fall of that year where it was on display in New York City and Washington D.C.

Even though Leutze did his best to ensure authenticity with his painting, it’s still a bit inaccurate of what the 300-yard crossing of the Delaware actually was.

Regardless, the painting continues to invoke several emotions and a strong sense of patriotism within Americans for its regal depiction.

George Washington crossing the Delaware River is one of the many war stories that show the bravery and sacrifice our troops commit to when defending the United States. If you’re interested in seeing Leutze’s depiction, the painting is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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