After defeats by the British Army in New York and New Jersey, General George Washington retreated to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River in early December 1776. On Christmas night he moved approximately 2400 men across the river, advanced to Trenton through sleet and snow, attacked Hessian troops fighting for Britain, captured the city, and reversed the fortunes of the Continental Army. The victory increased enlistments, raised morale and financial support, sent a message of American strength to the world, and became ingrained in American memory as a significant turning point of the American Revolution.
