Order of battle of the Battle of Trenton facts for kids

The Battle of Trenton was a major fight during the American Revolutionary War on December 26, 1776. George Washington led the Continental Army in a surprise attack on German soldiers, known as Hessians, who were staying in Trenton, New Jersey. The Hessians were led by Colonel Johann Rall, who was badly wounded and later died. About two-thirds of his soldiers were captured. This victory was very important because the Americans had lost many battles before this. It greatly improved their spirits and was followed by two more American wins: a second battle in Trenton on January 2, 1777, and then the Battle of Princeton on January 3.

Most of the German soldiers were from three Hessian regiments: Rall's, von Lossberg's, and von Knyphausen's. They also had some artillery and a small group of British soldiers. The American army included regular Continental Army units, their artillery, and some local militia. Other American groups were supposed to join the attack or create distractions, but they couldn't cross the icy Delaware River and missed the battle.

Hessian and British Forces

A Hessian's sketch of the Battle of Trenton

When the war started in 1775, the British government realized it needed more soldiers than it could find in Britain. So, they hired troops from other countries in Europe, mostly from German areas. The largest group, over 12,000 soldiers, came from a place called Hesse-Kassel.

The Hessian soldiers stationed in Trenton were a group of about 1,400 men, nearly all from Hesse-Kassel. Their commander was Colonel Johann Rall. This group included three main regiments, each with its own artillery. There was also a small company of Hessian Jäger (who were like light infantry) and a few British 16th (Queen's) Light Dragoons soldiers.

The Hessian regiments were named after their main officers. However, these officers were often busy with other duties and not always with their regiments. For example, Colonel Rall commanded the entire group, so his own regiment was led by a different officer.

Here's a quick look at the Hessian and British units involved:

Continental Army

Watercolor by Charles M. Lefferts depicting various Continental Army uniforms

General Washington divided his army into two main groups for the attack on Trenton. After crossing the Delaware River, one group led by Major General Nathanael Greene marched along an inland road with Washington himself. The other group, led by Major General John Sullivan, followed a road closer to the river. Sullivan's goal was to stop the Hessians from escaping across the Assunpink Creek.

The American army had very few casualties in this battle. Only two officers were injured: Captain William Washington and Lieutenant James Monroe (who later became a U.S. president). Monroe was shot in the neck, but a doctor saved his life. Only two American soldiers are known to have died in the fighting, and a couple more might have died from the cold during the march.

Here's a look at the main parts of the Continental Army:

Other American Units in the Campaign

The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, December 26, 1776
by John Trumbull, 1786–1828

Washington had planned for two other American forces to cross the Delaware River and help with the attack. However, due to thick ice, they couldn't make it.

One group, led by Pennsylvania Brigadier General John Cadwalader, managed to get some soldiers across the river at Dunk's Ferry. But the ice made it impossible to get their cannons and all their men over, so they had to turn back.

Another group, led by Pennsylvania Brigadier James Ewing, couldn't cross any of his troops at all because of the icy conditions at the Trenton Ferry. However, Ewing's artillery did fire cannons across the river during the battle, even though his men couldn't join the fight directly.

Here are the other American units that were supposed to help: