1777
The Continental Army advanced on Princeton and attacked in the morning. American forces were initially routed by the British regiments as their commander was mortally wounded, and they began to retreat. Seeing the lines break, Washington rode onto the field close to the British line. He rallied his militia and led a counterattack forcing back the British.
Although victorious at the Battle of Princeton, instead of advancing to New Brunswick, Washington and his troops headed toward Morristown, where they would stay in winter quarters from January 6 to May 28.
This engagement is considered one of the most consequential of the American Revolution, as it forced the British to withdraw from most of New Jersey and revitalized the Patriot cause. These victories shifted the momentum of the war and helped convince the French to eventually provide support to the American colonies.