Key Facts
- Dates
- December 22–23, 1776
- American force size
- 600 colonial militia
- Hessian/British force size
- 2,000 troops
- American commander
- Colonel Samuel Griffin
- Hessian commander
- Carl von Donop
Strategic Narrative Overview
Over December 22 and 23, 1776, American militia engaged von Donop's superior force in a series of minor skirmishes around Iron Works Hill. Though outmatched, Griffin's troops contested the position long enough to occupy von Donop's attention. The Americans were ultimately driven from their positions, but the engagement kept von Donop fully occupied in Mount Holly and away from his base at Bordentown.
01 / The Origins
In late December 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, British and Hessian forces occupied much of New Jersey. Colonel Samuel Griffin led a small American force of roughly 600 colonial militia toward Mount Holly, New Jersey, drawing the attention of Hessian Colonel Carl von Donop, who commanded approximately 2,000 British and Hessian regulars stationed in the region around Bordentown.
03 / The Outcome
Although the Americans were forced to withdraw, the battle had strategic consequences beyond its tactical result. Von Donop's absence from Bordentown left Johann Rall's Hessian brigade in Trenton without potential reinforcement. On the night of December 25–26, Washington crossed the Delaware and routed Rall's force at Trenton, a turning point that revived American morale and the Revolutionary cause.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Carl von Donop.
Side B
1 belligerent
Samuel Griffin.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.