Washington's Crossing

Washington's Crossing
Author: David Hackett Fischer
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 578
Release: 2006-02-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 0199756678

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.

The British Invasion of Delaware, Aug-Sep 1777

The British Invasion of Delaware, Aug-Sep 1777
Author: Gerald J. Kauffman
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 106
Release: 2011-01-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 1304287165

During the American War for Independence in Augustand September, 1777, the British invaded Delaware aspart of an end-run campaign to defeat GeorgeWashington and the Americans and capture the capitalat Philadelphia. For a few short weeks the hills andstreams in and around Newark and Iron Hill and at Cooch's Bridge along the Christina River were the focus of worldhistory as the British marched through the Diamond State between the Chesapeake Bay and Brandywine Creek.This is the story of the British invasion of Delaware,one of the lesser known but critical watershedmoments in American history.

When Washington Crossed the Delaware

When Washington Crossed the Delaware
Author: Lynne Cheney
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2012-01-03
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1442444517

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces. Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history. Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

General George Washington

General George Washington
Author: Edward G. Lengel
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Total Pages: 514
Release: 2007-01-09
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0812969502

“The most comprehensive and authoritative study of Washington’s military career ever written.” –Joseph J. Ellis, author of His Excellency: George Washington Based largely on George Washington’s personal papers, this engrossing book paints a vivid, factual portrait of Washington the soldier. An expert in military history, Edward Lengel demonstrates that the “secret” to Washington’s excellence lay in his completeness, in how he united the military, political, and personal skills necessary to lead a nation in war and peace. Despite being an “imperfect commander”–and at times even a tactically suspect one–Washington nevertheless possessed the requisite combination of vision, integrity, talents, and good fortune to lead America to victory in its war for independence. At once informative and engaging, and filled with some eye-opening revelations about Washington, the American Revolution, and the very nature of military command, General George Washington is a book that reintroduces readers to a figure many think they already know. “The book’s balanced assessment of Washington is satisfying and thought-provoking. Lengel gives us a believable Washington . . . the most admired man of his generation by far.” –The Washington Post Book World “A compelling picture of a man who was ‘the archetypal American soldier’ . . . The sum of his parts was the greatness of Washington.” –The Boston Globe “[An] excellent book . . . fresh insights . . . If you have room on your bookshelf for only one book on the Revolution, this may be it.” –The Washington Times

Devastation on the Delaware

Devastation on the Delaware
Author: Mary A. Shafer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 466
Release: 2005
Genre: History
ISBN:

Narrative nonfiction account of the record-setting Delaware River flood of August 18-20, 1955, reads like a thriller. This devastation was caused by rain from hurricanes Connie and Diane, hitting within five days of each other. The flood killed nearly 100 people in PA, NJ & NY, with the highest flood crest recorded on river to date. This is an extremely readable narrative woven from interviews with 100+ survivors & eyewitnesses. With 105 historic photos bringing these events to chilling life, this is the first comprehensive account of a tragic event that changed life in the Delaware Valley forever.

History of Delaware

History of Delaware
Author: J. Thomas Scharf
Publisher: Рипол Классик
Total Pages: 418
Release: 1974
Genre: History
ISBN: 5870942411

Grand Themes

Grand Themes
Author: Jochen Wierich
Publisher: Penn State Press
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2012-01-01
Genre: Art
ISBN: 0271050322

"Explores history painting in the United States during the middle decades of the nineteenth century, as exemplified by Emanuel Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851). Includes the work of artists such as Daniel Huntington, Lilly Martin Spencer, and Eastman Johnson"--Provided by publisher.

Delaware Army National Guard

Delaware Army National Guard
Author: Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr.
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 132
Release: 2010
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780738566931

The Delaware National Guard traces its roots to 1655, when the Swedish Colonial government formed a militia to defend itself. That tradition carried through Dutch and then English control of the colony. The militia served in all five French and Indian Wars and then distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War as the First Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army, earning its "Blue Hen" nickname. The Delaware militia continued to serve in every major war, and currently it remains in the forefront. Images of America: Delaware Army National Guard presents images of this fabled organization that survived from the Spanish-American War to the present. The people, places, equipment, and facilities of the Delaware National Guard are illustrated in this compilation of historic photographs from the collection of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation. Brig. Gen. Kennard R. Wiggins Jr. (DE ANG Retired) is a third-generation Delaware Guardsman who served in the National Guard for over 37 years. Currently he serves as executive director of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation, Inc., which maintains an extensive archive of Delaware National Guard images. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

Haunted History of Delaware

Haunted History of Delaware
Author: Josh Hitchens
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 140
Release: 2013-05-07
Genre: History
ISBN: 1439672962

Ghosts and legends of the First State—from haunted houses and historic sites to chilling stories of demon dogs and the Bad Weather Witch. Delaware’s long history has created many ghostly echoes in the present day, places where the souls of the dead have not yet found rest. Experience the eerie legend of Fiddler’s Bridge, meet the ghosts in the Governor’s Mansion and learn the truth behind the Selbyville Swamp Monster. Discover many more terrifying tales that will chill your bones. These are the stories of the most frightening phantoms that lurk in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties—read them if you dare. Delaware native and paranormal historian Josh Hitchens takes a spooky road trip through the First State.