Historical Events in December 1776

  • Dec 5 First US fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa (William & Mary College), forms

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Dec 8 George Washington's retreating army crosses Delaware River from NJ

First US President George Washington
First US President
George Washington

Book releaseHistoric Publication

Dec 19 Thomas Paine publishes his 1st "American Crisis" essay beginning"These are the times that try men's souls" (date disputed)

Voice of the American Revolution Thomas Paine
Voice of the American Revolution
Thomas Paine
  • Dec 23 Continental Congress negotiates a war loan of $181,500 from France
  • Dec 25 George Washington crosses Delaware, surprises and defeats 1,400 Hessians
  • Dec 26 George Washington defeats Hessians at Battle of Trenton in American Revolutionary War
  • Dec 31 Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70 cents a day for carpenters, 42 cents for tailors