3-056-811 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

President George Washington crossing the Delaware, December 1776, (c1856-c1859). Washington, on the white horse, on the bank of the Delaware River. His troops can be seen behind him setting off in boats loaded with horses and cannons. In the foreground are Native American scouts. On 25th December 1776, President George Washington crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River accompanied by a small army of 2500. His mission was to launch a surprise attack on the British who were occupying the town of Trenton across the river. The Battle of Trenton was a crucial event in the American defeat over the British in the American Revolution.