The story behind the design: Our original design shows 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: The same great shirt we've been using for our "History Nerd" shirts, a super soft 3.5 ounce t-shirt from Next Level that's 65% poly / 35% cotton and that has been pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. (The 3XL shirt is a pre-shrunk 4.3 ounce t-shirt from Next Level that's 60% cotton / 40% poly. Very soft, the feel is indistinguishable from the shirt we use for the other sizes.)

If you have never worn a high-quality poly-cotton shirt before, you’ll want to read this first.

Comes with a hang tag that includes a historical quote, background on the event, and a historical map.

This design is also available in a long-sleeved shirt, women's v-neck shirt, as well as a sticker.

Shipping: $4.95, regardless of the number of shirts you order, so order one and all the rest ship for free.

Mission: Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

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

All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.