Open any time. The battles took place between December 25 and January 3.
Download Battle Guide
Gravitas: Proximity:
The Battle Tour will require some adaptation during the COVID emergency, as a few of the recommended stops are in closed parks. For example, while you won’t be allowed to wander the Washington Crossing Park, or the Princeton Battlefield Park as suggested, but you can certainly stop and park your car for a few minutes where Washington crossed the Delaware without entering the park, or on the wide shoulder of Princeton Pike in the middle of the battlefield park. Most other stops are on public thoroughfares that remain open.
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.