History is for Everyone

NJ, USA

Assunpink Creek Bridge Site

Battlefield

The site of the Assunpink Creek bridge in Trenton marks where the Second Battle of Trenton was fought on January 2, 1777. American forces defended the bridge and the creek fording points against repeated British assaults led by Lord Cornwallis, preventing the British from crossing and destroying Washington's army.

What Happened Here

After the first Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, Washington re-crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania. He returned to Trenton on January 2, 1777, positioning his army behind the Assunpink Creek with the bridge as the key defensive position. That afternoon, Cornwallis attacked with approximately 5,500 troops, launching three assaults on the bridge, all of which were repulsed by American artillery and infantry fire. The Assunpink defense, sometimes called the Second Battle of Trenton, secured Washington's position and set the stage for his famous overnight march to Princeton on January 2-3, 1777.

Visiting Today

Address

South Broad Street at the Assunpink Creek, Trenton, NJ 08608

Hours

Always accessible (outdoor site)

Admission

Free

Connected Events

Nov 1776
Fall of Fort Washington

Johann Rall, Nathanael Greene

Nov 1776
Continental Army Retreats Through Trenton

George Washington, Nathanael Greene

Dec 1776
Intelligence Gathering Before the Crossing

John Honeyman, George Washington, Johann Rall

Dec 1776
Hessian Garrison Established at Trenton

Johann Rall, Abraham Hunt, Phillis

Dec 1776
Washington Crosses the Delaware

George Washington, John Glover, Henry Knox, John Cadwalader