Preservation at the Battle of Princeton

From the January 2023 American Battlefield Trust calendar.

PRINCETON BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK

The Battle of Princeton concluded the ten-day campaign that began with George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River in Christmas Day 1776.

His counterattack at Princeton -- a ferocious charge across Maxwell's Field -- secured his first victory over British regulars in the field.

The Trust has saved 24 acres at Princeton, including 15 acres at Washington's charge site.  With a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program and support from local and state partners, the Trust is ready to reinvigorate Princeton's on-site interpretation.

--Cooter 

Ten Facts About Battle of Princeton-- Part 7: Victory Saved Patriot Cause

9.  THE VICTORY AT PRINCETON RESCUED THE PATRIOT CAUSE FROM ONE OF ITS DARKEST HOURS

The disastrous defeats in the 1776 New York Campaign and retreat across the Delaware River had left prospects for American independence in tatters.  Rather than retreat into winter quarters as everyone was expecting, Washington chose to attack.

His victories at Trenton, the Assunpink Creek and Princeton completely reversed the fortunes of the Continental Army and the prospects of the young United States.

Many look at the battles of Trenton and Princeton as small affairs, but these battles, combined with the tough winter campaigning sliced Lord Howe's once mighty army in half.  Howe's further requests for reinforcements left many in London aghast.

Washington's bold maneuvers and gambles as well as effective leadership had delivered the very sort of public  confidence that Washington was keen to produce.  Not only were the British and Loyalists discouraged, but his own soldiers found newfound  confidence that they could beat the very best that the British could put onto the field.'

--Cooter

Battle of Princeton-- Part 1

From American Battlefield Trust.

I was  aware of the Battle of Trenton, one great surprise attack, but really didn't know what happened afterwards.  Now, I know.

After crossing the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, and surprising the British at Trenton the next morning, George Washington embarked on a ten-day campaign  that would change the course of the war.  Culminating in the Battle of Princeton on on January 3, 1777, Washington snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and proved his amateur army could defeat the British.

The Battle of Princeton was a classic meeting engagement, with both sides stumbling into each other, and neither expecting to fight on the ground where the battle raged.  Initially, the British commander, Charles Mawhood, marched his force south towards Trenton to meet the main British Army, when he spotted the American column.

Washington had stolen a march on Charles Lord Cornwallis, slipping away  from the British forces along Assunpink Creek the night before.

--Brock-Perry

December 25, 1776-- Part 2: Washington Crosses the Delaware

So, late Christmas night, Washington and his troops hopped into boats and crossed the Delaware River to test his theory.  He was right.  The Hessians were totally unprepared for the surprise they got at dawn December 26.

About 2,400 Continental troops rushed into Trenton and captured it with little difficulty.  The British/Hessian force surrendered after an hour and a half.

The mission, now known as the Battle of Trenton, had huge significance to the American cause.  Not only did it raise American spirits and morale, but revised the hope of the colonials who were beginning to think independence could not be achieved.

Thanks, George.  --DaCootTrent

December 25, 1776: Washington Crosses the Delaware-- Part 1: To Catch the Hessians By Surprise

From the December 25, 2020, AeroTech News "Remembering Christmases past, major military events."

Throughout the history of our country, several notable military events have taken place on this date.

1776:  WASHINGTON'S FAMOUS CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

The winter of 1776 didn't start very well for General Washington and his Continental Army.  They suffered many defeats in the first few months of the American Revolution and had been pushed out of New York and New Jersey and now were in Pennsylvania.  For the troops, the morale was low.

Washington desperately needed to renew their faith in the battle for independence, so he decided to surprise the Hessians --  German troops hired by the British -- who were stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.  He figured that doing so after the enemy's Christmas celebrations that would find them groggy, hungover and not ready to fight.

Also, there was one of those winter storms brewing as well as armies generally going into winter quarters and not fighting until spring.

--Cooter