Historic Ornaments

Historical Information

By the summer and fall of 1776, Washington’s army was unraveling. Desertions and expired enlistments left him with only a few thousand exhausted soldiers. At his lowest point, Thomas Paine’s stirring words helped rally the weary troops: “These are the times that try men’s souls…the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Determined to act before his force dissolved, Washington planned a daring surprise attack on the German garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. On Christmas night, about 2,400 men marched toward the Delaware River through sleet and snow, many barefoot or with rags tied around their feet.

The crossing was perilous—ice-choked waters, freezing winds, and heavy Durham boats laden with troops, cannon, and horses. To inspire confidence, Washington led by example, boarding a flatboat and sternly ordering it across. Once ashore, the men lit bonfires to fight the cold as they prepared to advance.

At 4:00 a.m. on December 26, Washington pressed forward. The battle was swift and decisive: the entire German garrison was captured. Even
more remarkably, the victory revived morale and persuaded many soldiers to extend their enlistments past the New Year.

Against all odds, this bold maneuver changed the trajectory of the Revolutionary War—and American history.

About the Artist: Mort Künstler

Mort Künstler is widely recognized as the premier painter of American history. For more than five decades, his work has brought to life the dramatic moments that shaped the nation—from the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond.

Known for his meticulous research, Künstler studies uniforms, weapons, landscapes, and weather reports to ensure historical accuracy in every canvas. His art is celebrated not only for its detail but also for its storytelling power, capturing the human courage, sacrifice, and determination behind pivotal events.