On Christmas Day, 1776, the fledgling efforts of the American colonists to win their freedom from Great Britain through military means were all but extinguished. The heady exhilaration of the Summer of ’76 had dissolved into despair. George Washington and his Continental Army dragged itself across New Jersey from New York, heading for Pennsylvania. Indeed, the times were dire, as Thomas Paine penned his immortal words, “these are the times that try men’s souls.” Then, in the span of ten days, the fortunes of the new nation dramatically reversed themselves as Washington’s army went on the offensive.

 

Our tour will focus on the Battle of Trenton, fought on December 26, 1776, and the Battle of Princeton, fought on January 3, 1777. On Friday night of our program, our tour leaders will present an overview of the tactical situation facing the Continental Army as that fateful year came to a close. On Saturday morning, we’ll depart by bus and begin our tour along the Delaware River at the place where the Continentals crossed the ice-choked waters on Christmas night. We will then follow the route of the army as it approached the Hessian troops encamped in and around Trenton. Our morning stops will include the Battle of Trenton Monument, the Assunpink Creek crossing and the Olde Barracks.

 

After lunch, we will take up the actions involving the Battle of Princeton and will follow Washington’s route from Trenton to Princeton. Along the way, we will examine the ten markers that interpret the route and discuss the significant events that occurred in each area. We will then visit the Princeton Battlefield Park and focus on the fighting that occurred there on the morning of January 3, 1777, including the fierce hand-to-hand fighting at the place where Brigadier General Hugh Mercer was mortally bayoneted. We will conclude our day in the borough of Princeton with a visit to Nassau Hall, where Alexander Hamilton opened fire with artillery, leading to the surrender of the British forces sequestered therein.

 

We hope you’ll join us for this rarely conducted tour of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Our tour must be limited to 42 registrants – so please enroll soon.

 

ABOUT OUR TOUR LEADERS:

 

Jay Jorgensen has authored many articles on the Revolutionary War and several books on the Civil War including Gettysburg’s Bloody Wheatfield and The Wheatfield of Gettysburg: A Walking Tour.

 

William M. Welsch is an experienced tour guide of the American Revolutionary War. 

Program Schedule

 

Friday, November 7

8:00 PM- 8:45 PM          Overview – at the Holiday Inn Princeton, Princeton, New Jersey

 

Saturday, November 8

8:00 AM                         Depart by Bus and Begin Tour

12:15 PM                        Lunch

5:00 PM                          Arrive Back at Holiday Inn

 

Registration Fees (Lodging not Included):          $ 195         Under Age 23:  $ 95

 

If You Must Cancel we will refund 100% of your fees paid. However, to receive a 100% refund, you must allow 30 days from the date of our receipt of your notice of cancellation

 

What is Included in your Registration:

 

·        the services of expert historians chosen for their knowledge and experience       

·        transportation to all sites

·        refreshments and snacks during the tour  

·        map package             

·        Saturday lunch

Location & Lodging: Our program will be based at the Holiday Inn Princeton, 100 Independence Way, Princeton, New Jersey where we have reserved a block of sleeping rooms at the special nightly rate of $99.00 – Single or Double. To reserve a room under our block, after April 21 call 609-520-1200 and identify yourself as a registrant for the American History Forum tour.

Directions: From Princeton, take Route 1 North for about 2 ¼ miles. Turn right onto Independence Way.