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.
The shirt:
- Navy — 100% cotton, made in America shirt. Cotton grown, and shirts knitted, dyed, and sewn in the USA. 4.4 oz. Sizes: S - 4XL. See size chart.
- Indigo — A super soft 65% poly / 35% cotton shirt that has been pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. 3.5oz. Sizes: XS - 4XL. See size chart.
Comes with a hang tag that includes a historical quote, background on the event, and a historical map.
This design is also available in an American made woven throw blanket, long-sleeved shirt, crewneck sweatshirt, women's v-neck shirt, woven socks that are made in the USA, as well as a sticker, magnet, and enamel pin.
The 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
