Where Washington Won the War!
On Christmas night 1776, General George Washington did something AMAZING! He and his army crossed the icy Delaware River in the middle of winter and surprised enemy soldiers in Trenton. This victory changed EVERYTHING in the Revolutionary War!
⚔️ The Turning Point of the Revolution!
Before the Battle of Trenton, Washington's army was losing badly. Soldiers were tired, cold, and hungry. Many were ready to give up on America's dream of independence!
But Washington had a plan! On December 25, 1776, he and 2,400 soldiers crossed the freezing Delaware River in small boats during a snowstorm. They marched 9 miles through ice and snow to surprise the Hessian soldiers (German troops fighting for Britain) in Trenton.
The Americans won! This victory gave the Continental Army new hope and showed everyone that they COULD win the war for independence!
🗓️ December 25-26, 1776
👥 2,400 American soldiers
❄️ Crossed the icy Delaware River
🎖️ Victory that saved the Revolution!
"Trenton Makes, The World Takes!"
Trenton has one of the COOLEST city slogans in America! "Trenton Makes, The World Takes" is written in HUGE letters on a bridge over the Delaware River. What does it mean? Trenton was once a MAJOR manufacturing city that made things people all over the world used!
🏭 What Did Trenton Make?
- • Pottery and ceramics since 1723!
- • Iron and steel products since the 1730s
- • Wire rope and cables for famous bridges!
- • Rubber products and tires
📜 The Famous Sign!
In 1910, the Trenton Chamber of Commerce held a contest to create a slogan. A local business owner named S. Roy Heath won with this catchy phrase!
The sign was put up on the Lower Trenton Bridge in 1935. It's 334 feet long and lights up at night! Today it uses LED lights that can change colors!
Trenton Built the Brooklyn Bridge Cables!
Did you know that Trenton helped build one of the most famous bridges in the world? John Roebling moved his wire rope factory to Trenton in 1848. His company made the MASSIVE cables that hold up the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City!
The Brooklyn Bridge cables contain over 14,000 miles of wire! That's more than half the distance around the entire Earth! The cables weigh almost 3,500 tons - that's as much as about 700 elephants!
🌉 Brooklyn Bridge Facts!
- ✓ Cables made in Trenton by John A. Roebling's Sons Company
- ✓ Over 14,000 miles of wire used!
- ✓ Cables weigh 3,500 tons
- ✓ Completed in 1883
New Jersey's State House
Trenton became New Jersey's capital in 1790, and the State House was built in 1792. It's the THIRD-OLDEST state house in America that's still used for making laws! Only Maryland and Virginia have older ones!
🏛️ Cool State House Facts!
For a short time in 1784, Trenton was actually the capital of the ENTIRE United States! Congress met here while they were deciding where to build Washington, D.C.
The State House is really close to Pennsylvania - it's the closest state capitol building to another state's border in the whole country!
The building looks like the letter "H" from above because of how it was built with additions over time.
Unlike many state capitols that sit in parks, the New Jersey State House is right in the middle of the city on busy State Street!
More Cool Trenton Facts!
👨 Named After William Trent
In 1714, businessman William Trent established the town. It was later named "Trent's Town" after him, which became just "Trenton"!
🌊 Two Rivers!
Trenton sits where the Delaware River meets the Assunpink Creek. This great location helped it become a major port and manufacturing center!
🎨 Trenton Makes Art!
The city has a famous museum called the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, which sits in a beautiful park!
🚂 Transportation Hub
Trenton is halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, making it perfect for trade and travel since colonial times!
Test Your Trenton Knowledge!
1. What famous event happened in Trenton on December 25-26, 1776?
2. What does "Trenton Makes, The World Takes" mean?
3. What famous New York City bridge has cables made in Trenton?
4. When was the New Jersey State House built?
5. Who was William Trent?
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