Is there any more impactful local history than a description of the roles that the geography of and individuals from Ewing and Hopewell played in the run-up to Washington’s attack on Trenton in December 1776?
After all, the Battle of Trenton is widely considered to be the “turning point” of the American Revolution, and the point at which the patriots fighting for their “unalienable rights” and ultimate independence from Great Britain secured an important win, and a renewed sense of hope and possibility for the future.
Proudly hosted by local historical societies and organizations from Ewing, Hopewell and Lawrence, authors and historians William “Larry” Kidder and Roger Williams recently presented “Just After the Crossing: Washington’s Night March to Trenton” at the 1867 Sanctuary in Ewing. The talk successfully highlighted the significant connection of our own township to a major moment in our nation’s history.
Washington’s incredible effort to cross his troops, wagons, horses, supplies and artillery across the Delaware River, in countless vessels, at night, in a snow and ice storm, is usually the main thrust of the story, in tandem with the win in Trenton. Less attention is given to the “in-between” portion: traveling from the landing spot on the Jersey side, down through present-day Hopewell and Ewing, to make the early morning surprise attack in Trenton.
Perhaps because Mr. Kidder is not only a retired history teacher, but an innately curious individual, an incredibly meticulous researcher, and also a long-time resident of Ewing, he has become an acclaimed expert on Central Jersey in the 18th and 19th centuries, and in particular, in and around the Hopewell Valley and Trenton.
Working with Mr. Williams, the two have turned their expertise to that “in-between” portion of the march to Trenton, calling attention to the local farmers and individuals who served as scouts and guides for Washington’s troops as they marched in the dark through the countryside, and to the geography and topography of the countryside itself.
Living on “this side” of the American Revolution, it’s easy to overlook the unbelievable challenges and risks that were embedded in the strategic event. Washington had spent weeks planning the campaign, and positioning men and equipment to attack at Trenton. Mr. Kidder pointed out that success for Washington – which was critical to keeping up morale and his army intact – would be dependent on close coordination and timing.
Unfortunately, the weather was far from cooperative. Crossing the river took four hours longer than planned, followed by the challenge of moving 2400+ freezing, wet and poorly clothed troops and 18 heavy cannon, plus wagons with ammunition and supplies, up and down hills and through farmland, and in relative silence to maintain secrecy.
A significant geographic challenge was getting across Jacob’s Creek. They basically followed the hilly contours of the path taken by present-day Bear Tavern Road. The creek ran faster and deeper than it does today, and it was in a ravine – so getting the wagons and the cannon down the creek banks, across the rushing water in the storm, and then back up the other side, in the stormy darkness, was very challenging. The local guides knew the very best places to cross. Still, these challenges served to set back the timing.
Arriving around 6:30 am at the crossroads in West Trenton (then Birmingham), Washington then implemented a key element of his surprise attack. He divided the troops, creating a two-pronged attack on Trenton.
General Sullivan led troops via the River Road (now Sullivan Way), arriving at the “lower” end of Trenton. General Greene likely led along the old Upper Ferry road through to Scotch Road, then down along Scotch and neighboring farmland near the Shabbakunk out to Pennington Road, arriving at the “upper” end of Trenton. Somehow the timing still worked, and around 8 am, the Hessians were taken by surprise by many troops in two locations.
The splitat Birmingham, contributing to the success of the attack, makes Ewing a key player in our nation’s history, as do the local Ewing farmers who, with intimate knowledge of the landscape, were able to successfully guide the way.
As we celebrate 250, Ewing can justifiably be proud of its part in turning out the “turning point.”
Helen Kull is an advisor with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.
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