Members of the Continental Army fire at a Hessian contingent on Warren Street in the shadow of the Battle Monument. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
On Saturday, The Battle of Trenton went as planned.
The Continental Army defeated the Hessians, starting at the base of Trenton's Battle Monument, forcing the enemy down Warren Street and finishing the fight by the Assunpink Creek in Mill Hill Park.
Spectators lined the streets along the path of the battle referred to by many as the turning point of the American Revolution, because before this dramatic victory for George Washington and his troops, the revolution seemed to be floundering.
Spectators approach the Battle Monument before the fight begins. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
A Hessian soldier stands at the ready on Warren Street in front of St Michael's Episcopal Church, on Warren Street. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
In foreground, Algernon Ward, right and Chuck Monroe, center, representing the 1st Rhode Island Regiment march on Barracks Street after the fight was won. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
"The people in Trenton need to be proud of what they have here and commemorate it and respect because without this ten crucial days there wouldn't be a United States." That's according to Algernon Ward, a lifelong Trenton resident who has been involved in historic portrayals for many years. He added "The whole world knows one thing about Trenton. It's where Washington crossed the Delaware.
"And we're her in line to make sure that African-Americans were part of that story. So we're here to tell that story."
His brother-in-arms Chuck Monroe added "There were 22 slaves that fought in this battle, defending the (Assunpink) bridge. Forty-four African-Americans in the Marbleheaders (The 14th Continental Regiment, also known as the Marblehead Regimen), boatmen to get Washington across, 12 free men of color and eight in the regular army."
The two were among the hundreds of reenactors on hand to recreate the small but pivotal battle during the American Revolutionary War which took place on the morning of December 26, 1776.
Spectators brace for the sound of gunfire. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Hessian soldiers fire their weapons on Warren Street in front of St Michael's Episcopal Church. The building was constructed in 1747-1748. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Members of the Continental Army fire their weapons in Mill Hill Park. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Hessian casualties (foreground) in Mill Hill Park. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Members of the Continental Army turn onto Barracks Street from Front Street after the battle was won. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Brooks Lyles, of Leavenworth, Kansas, Adjutant of the National Color Guard Sons of the American Revolution documents the scene. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
George Washington, left, portrayed by John Godzieba , confers with officers in Mill Hill Park as the battle ends. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
George Washington, center, portrayed by John Godzieba leaves Mill Hill Park after the battle was won. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Members of the Continental Army on Barracks Street in formation after the battle was won. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Reenactors Edward "Ned" Hector, left and Eugene P. Hough look at their counterpart statues on the base of the Battle Monument. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Children are photographed in front of the base of the Battle Monument. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The reenactment of the Battle of Trenton is one past of a week-long celebration of American History. Patriots Week is comprised of over 50 events taking place during the six-day period from December 26 to 31st. A full schedule is available here.
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Michael Mancuso may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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