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Washington and his forces successfully won the battles in Trenton. But now, his army is vulnerable to British attack. Will Washington stay and fight?

The Battle of Princeton

Washington decided to move north and trick the British into thinking his army was staying put. This ultimately led to the Battle of Princeton.

Washington's Ruse

General Cornwallis

The British troops were convinced that the Americans were staying in an area that was easy to attack. They were led by General Cornwallis.

"We'll bag him in the morning"

Morristown, New Jersey

After the battle, Washington's troops retreated to Morriston, New Jersey, to regroup and recharge. He also ordered his troops to be inoculated against Smallpox.

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Map: The Battle of Princeton, Phases I and II

This digital map helps show the movement of troops in first part of the Battle of Princeton

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Map: The Battle of Princeton, Phases III and IV

This digital map helps show the movement of troops in second part of the Battle of Princeton

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Why did Washington choose to retreat after winning the Battle of Princeton?

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Primary Source: Plan of Princeton

This hand-drawn map was drawn on December 31, 1776 and given to George Washington just prior to the Battle of Princeton.

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Primary Source: George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety

In this update, George Washington describes the Battles of Princeton and Trenton to the Pennslyvania Council of Safety. He includes both the number of deaths and number of prisoners taken on both sides.

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Primary Source: Small Innoculatoin

Shortly after the Battle of Princeton, George Washington ordered that every soldier in his army be inoculated against Smallpox. This letter explains his orders.

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Watch The Winter Patriots


Learn the Battles of Princeton and Trenton with this 30 minute film!

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