HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

On the evening of December 25, 1776 and against all odds, General George Washington led 2,400 troops of the Continental Army across the ice-choked Delaware River during a severe snow storm. Following the crossing, the army marched to Trenton to attack a Hessian outpost. This Battle of Trenton was the first significant battlefield victory for the Continental Army and was followed in quick succession by victories in the Battle of Princeton and the 2nd Battle of Trenton, giving renewed hope to the cause of freedom. The McConkey ferry was used by Washington's army to transport artillery, carriages, and horses across the rivers. General Washington and his aides ate dinner at the tavern next to the ferry, now known as the McConkey Ferry Inn. While there, Washington made plans for the crossing and penned a letter to Colonel Cadwallader, writing, "I am determined as the night is favorable to cross the river and make the attack upon Trenton in the morning." Following the battle, the army returned to the McConkey ferry and tavern with Hessian prisoners. 

Form submitted by Washington Crossing Chapter NSDAR, Pennsylvania - January 26, 2018 - posted October 23, 2018 by Peggy V