Trenton Battle Monument
🗽 150 Feet of Granite Marking the Night Washington Saved the Revolution — Trenton Battle Monument in Trenton, New Jersey, 148-foot Roman-Doric column (1893), commemorates Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776), Washington’s Christmas crossing of the Delaware River, surprise attack on Hessian garrison, designed by John H. Duncan (Grant’s Tomb architect), 13-foot bronze Washington statue, observation deck with elevator, bronze relief panels, 13 electric lights for the original colonies — Mercer County, NJ
On Christmas night, 1776, the American Revolution was dying. Washington’s army was starving, barefoot, and melting away as enlistments expired. In nine days, the Continental Army would cease to exist.
So Washington did the only thing left: he loaded 2,400 men into boats, crossed the ice-choked Delaware River in a nor’easter, marched nine miles through sleet in the dark, and attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton at dawn on December 26. The battle lasted 45 minutes. The Revolution survived.
The Trenton Battle Monument — 148 feet of granite topped with a bronze Washington — stands on the exact spot where American artillery was placed that morning, commanding the streets below.
What to See
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Column | 148-foot Roman-Doric triumphal column in granite. Designed by John H. Duncan — who also designed Grant’s Tomb in New York City. Dedicated 1893 |
| Washington Statue | 13-foot bronze George Washington by sculptor William Rudolf O’Donovan, atop the column. Washington is depicted directing his troops during the battle |
| Observation Deck | Small round pavilion at the top, accessible by electric elevator. Panoramic views of Trenton and the Delaware River valley |
| Bronze Relief Panels | Three panels on the base depicting: the crossing of the Delaware, the opening of the attack, and the surrender of the Hessians |
| 13 Lights | A circle of 13 electric lights crowns the monument — one for each of the original thirteen colonies |
The Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 25, 1776 | Christmas night. Washington loads 2,400 troops into boats at McConkey’s Ferry. The Delaware River is choked with ice. A nor’easter blows sleet and snow |
| 3:00 AM, Dec 26 | The crossing is complete — three hours behind schedule. Washington orders the march to Trenton, nine miles south |
| 8:00 AM, Dec 26 | The attack begins. American artillery is positioned at the “Five Points” — the exact spot where the monument now stands — commanding the main streets of Trenton |
| 8:45 AM | The battle is over. Hessian commander Colonel Johann Rall is mortally wounded. 22 Hessians killed, 83 wounded, 896 captured. American losses: 2 frozen to death, 5 wounded |
| Jan 3, 1777 | Washington wins again at Princeton. The Revolution is saved. Enlistments are renewed |
| 1891 | Cornerstone laid on the 115th anniversary of the battle |
| 1893 | Monument dedicated. 148 feet of granite on the spot where the artillery stood |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec) | ❄️ Battle anniversary is December 26. Annual reenactment of the Delaware crossing at nearby Washington Crossing SP |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🌿 Comfortable weather. Combine with Washington Crossing and Princeton Battlefield |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full hours. Hot but the observation deck has great views. Good for the Revolutionary War trail |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cool weather. Fall foliage along the Delaware River valley |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to the top?
Yes — when open, an electric elevator takes visitors to the observation deck at the top of the 148-foot column. Check current hours before visiting, as the monument has limited operating schedule.
How close is Washington Crossing State Park?
About 10 miles northwest. Washington Crossing State Park preserves the site where the army embarked on the Delaware crossing on Christmas night 1776. The two sites together tell the complete story of the Battle of Trenton.
Why was this battle so important?
It saved the Revolution — literally. Enlistments were expiring January 1, 1777. Without a victory, the army would dissolve. The surprise attack at Trenton — and Princeton a week later — provided the morale boost that kept the Continental Army in existence.
🗽 The Night Washington Saved America
Christmas 1776. Ice on the Delaware. A barefoot army. 45 minutes of battle. 148 feet of granite marking the spot where artillery commanded the streets — and the Revolution survived.
