The Battle of Cedar Bridge is fought   On this day in history, December 27, 1782, the Battle of Cedar Bridge is fought near Manahawkin, New Jersey. One of the last skirmishes of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Cedar Bridge was a fight between Loyalist holdouts and New Jersey

The Americans win the Battle of Trenton   On this day in history, December 26, 1776, the Americans win the Battle of Trenton, reversing a series of defeats and proving the Continental Army had what it took to compete against the British. The victory came after months of losses for

George Washington crosses the Delaware River   On this day in history, December 25, 1776, George Washington crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day with the Continental Army on their way to attack the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey. The attack had been planned in secret and was a “Hail

The Brigantine General Arnold leaves Boston on its fateful mission   On this day in history, December 24, 1778, the Brigantine General Arnold leaves Boston on its fateful mission to the West Indies, only to be caught in a massive snowstorm off Plymouth Rock and to be dashed to bits

Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis is read to the Continental Army   On this day in history, December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis is read to the Continental Army as it prepares to attack the Hessians at Trenton. Thomas Paine had already had an enormous effect on the

Esek Hopkins appointed Commander-in-Chief of Continental Navy   On this day in history, December 22, 1775, Esek Hopkins is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy. The Continental Congress had begun the process of establishing a Navy in October of 1776 by passing resolutions to purchase and arm four ships. Soon

The Skirmish at Petticoat Bridge draws away support from Trenton   On this day in history, December 21, 1776, the Skirmish at Petticoat Bridge draws away support from Trenton, opening the way for George Washington to capture the Hessian brigade there on the 26th. Sir William Howe’s army had been

New Jersey militiamen skirmish with British Patrol at Howell’s Ferry   On this day in history, December 20, 1776, New Jersey militiamen skirmish with a British patrol at Howell’s Ferry, one of numerous such incidents that occurred as the British army occupied central New Jersey during the American Revolution. The

Continental Army begins its encampment at Valley Forge   On this day in history, December 19, 1777, the Continental Army begins its encampment at Valley Forge. British General Sir William Howe had captured Philadelphia in September of 1777. George Washington’s army attempted to defend the city, but was repelled at

New Jersey is the third state to ratify the US Constitution   On this day in history, December 18, 1787, New Jersey is the third state to ratify the US Constitution. The area was first settled by European settlers from the Netherlands and Sweden, but was transferred to England when