Christmas weather has played a major role in the history of the United States. On Christmas night in 1776, George Washington and his Rag Tag army crossed the Delaware River, the first move in a surprise attack against the German Hessian Mercenary Forces at Trenton, New Jersey, leading to the Battle of Trenton on the morning of the 26th. Fifty four hundred American Troops surprised and overwhelmed the Hessian force that was celebrating Christmas in their winter quarters.
Legend has it that the Hessians were all hung over from partying so hard the night before. Either way, we won and the formation of the greatest Nation in the world had begun! The battle inspired the famous painting we’ve all seen of Washington crossing the Delaware.
