On the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware River. The purpose of crossing the waters from McConkey’s Ferry, Pennsylvania to New Jersey was to stage a surprise attack on the Hessian troupes stationed at Trenton. The crossing was dangerous due to thick ice and rough weather.

The war was not going well for the Continental Army. Numbers shrank from disease and deserters, and morale was low due to the harsh winter. The Continental army had been forced from Boston and New York City as was close to completely losing their footing in the north. Washington decided to make a daring move to turn the war in his favor: He planned to surprise the Hessian forces.

Preparations for the crossing began several days prior to Christmas day. Boats were gathered from militia men and surrounding counties and experienced boatmen were found to aid with the dangerous crossing. The army packed up supplies including food for three days, horses, and artillery. Every one of the 2,400 soldiers was to have their musket outfitted with a fresh flint. Even officers and musicians were ordered to carry muskets.

Most Americans are familiar with the famous painting, “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze done in 1851. Washington is depicted as a valiant hero who bravely leads his bold troops through the water. This however, can be slightly misleading.

A more accurate painting of the event done by Mort Kuenstler shows Washington standing among many men heavily packed onto a long wooden raft. The men look down trodden and are huddled together; trying and failing to keep ice from building on their clothing and limbs. The waters are icy and night is dark, foggy, and thick with snow.

Many people imagine a glorious crossing of a heroic army, not a ragged group of people traveling on rickety rafts in a snow storm.
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–Sarah Oryschak

Photo Caption: “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze (top). “Washington’s Crossing at McKonkey’s Ferry” by Mort Kuenstler (bottom).

Meet the Author

Sarah Oryschak is currently a student at Schoolcraft College. She plans on furthering her education by transferring to a university.