The Battle Stops Here

Self-guided Battles Tour, Various places in Trenton and surrounding towns, Trenton, NJ
Open any time. The battles took place between December 25 and January 3.
Download Battle Guide

Gravitas: Proximity:

Special notes for parents

The tour guide provides a comprehensive view of the battle, which can be divided into 3 major phases: 1) First Battle of Trenton, 2) Second Battle of Trenton, and 3) the Battle of Princeton. It’s way too much for any kid to take in at once (really most adults too). My suggestion would be to check out some of the places first, and then break the story it into digestible chunks. The payoff is a child with a much deeper appreciation of local history.

In Trenton, we’re surrounded by revolutionary war history. Many of the “short cut” roads we pride ourselves on knowing are actually colonial roads, some traversed by Washington’s army. It completely changes how you think about this place if you know what specifically happened where.

Hidden Trenton wrote a detailed guide book to allow you to find these places. It’s a wonderful thing to do any time, but especially in the holiday period which marks the battles’ anniversary.

Click on the link above (or the Battle Tour menu item) to reach a page where you can find available downloads. They’re free!

BTW, the header image shows the remains of a mill dam on Assunpink Creek in Lawrence, known as Philip’s Ford in colonial days. This is where the far right wing of Washington’s army was stationed before the Second Battle of Trenton. I argue in the Guide that it’s one of the most important locations in American history, but it’s not marked in any way. It’s also on the way from my house to Myilai Masala (a favorite restaurant). I get a thrill every time I pass it.