"The Victory blanket is great quality, beautifully designed, and as an added bonus, a great conversation piece!" - Amanda R.
"Love the Victory blanket! This blanket is great and made a perfect gift for a fellow history lover. Soft, warm, good size, and very attractive." - Jonathan M.
"I’ve had my blanket about a month now and use it every evening on the sofa while watching tv or reading. It the high quality that all History List products are and made in the USA. General Washington would approve, I’m sure." - Helen. K.
Recognizing Washington’s daring attack on Trenton on Christmas Night. Conditions were brutal. In fact, two men froze to death waiting for the crossing. Two other planned crossings didn’t make it. Only Washington’s. The attack was a rout, and just in time. The war had been going very badly and for a large number of Washington’s men, their commissions would be up in a few days. “Victory or death” was the pass phrase Washington assigned to his camp in the days leading up to the crossing. Early on the 26th, it was, victory, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time in the war.
Our design precisely traces the stars on a surviving flag used at George Washington’s headquarters. Woven in America. And only available here.
Thanks to all the folks who ordered, we appreciate all the positive reviews you've shared.
— Lee Wright | Founder | The History List | History Camp | The Pursuit of History
Made in America from 100% combed, natural cotton. The design, with a perfect tracing of each individual star from George Washington's Headquarters Flag, is woven as part of the blanket; it's not simply printed on. And it's woven on a Jacquard loom, which makes this even more interesting.
Size: 54" x 70"
Care instructions: Hand or machine wash in cool water using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry or dry on a cool cycle.
The story behind the design: Our original design shows George Washington's Headquarters Flag and includes the sign/countersign used by the Continental Army the night they crossed the Delaware to attack the Hessian garrison at Trenton, along with the dates of the crossing and the attack. (See the map below.)
Washington and his troops were victorious, capturing 1,000 prisoners along with muskets, powder, and artillery. In the battle, three Americans were killed and six wounded, while 22 Hessians were killed and 98 wounded. More on the historic events below.
Comes with a hang tag that includes a historical quote, background on the event, and a historical map. Thanks to Larisa, one of our Regional Editors, for suggesting using this design for the blanket.
This design is also available in a crewneck shirt for men and women, long-sleeved shirt, crewneck sweatshirt, women's v-neck shirt, woven scarf, woven socks that are made in the USA, as well as a sticker, magnet, and enamel pin.
Historic Event behind the Design
He appeared much depressed and lamented the ragged and dissolving state of his army in affecting terms. I gave him assurances of the disposition of Congress to support him, under his present difficulties and distresses. While I was talking to him I observed him to play with his pen and ink upon several pieces of paper. One of them by accident fell upon the floor near my feet. I was struck with the inscription upon it. It was “victory or death.”
— Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia physician, member of the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, recounting his visit to General Washington in December four miles from the Delaware River.
The countersign for the troops for the attack on Trenton was “Victory or Death.” More than 2,400 soldiers,18 cannons, and 75-100 horses crossed the Delaware during a “violent storm of rain, hail, and snow.”
The Americans captured 896 Hessians and killed 22. Three Americans were killed and six wounded, including a near-fatal wound to future president James Monroe. Enlistment for most men was to expire December 31st.
A map of the Delaware River area depicting the route George Washington and his Army made during the crossing, by William Faden, an English cartographer and a publisher of maps. He printed the North American Atlas in 1777, and ". . . it became the most important atlas chronicling the Revolution's battles." There were 29 maps in the atlas, and they included detailed battle maps drawn by eyewitnesses.
Source: Wikipedia (large image of the map) By William Faden - Library of Congress, Public Domain
