Filled with 140 finely-crafted original drawings and paintings, this book is designed to guide readers as they explore the rich and diverse heritage of the historic Delaware River Valley. This waterway that defines the common borders of the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York has hosted some of the most monumental events in the history of the United States. From its discovery by Henry Hudson over 400 years ago, to its crossing by George Washington during the Revolution, and through its course of over 330 miles, the Delaware River offers us much to learn. This entertaining guide introduces the reader to the events, places, and people that make the Delaware one of America's truly great rivers.

"It is a rare achievement for a historian to match his account of the history of a major site in terms of its original significance with an equally good study of the site as the subject of historic preservation."--Russell F. Weigley

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces. Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history. Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Tracing the history of the Delaware, this book delves into archives and newspaper files to explore the men who tried to tame this wild river. Many attempted to venture down it in a variety of vehicles due to the needs of commerce, but in recent times it has been converted to leisure activities.

At the southernmost tip of New Jersey lie the resort town of Cape May and its sparkling sandy beaches, sheltering the Delaware Bay. Formed by melting glaciers thousands of years past, the Delaware River flows from its headwaters to spill into the Delaware Bay. And for thousands of years, fragments of quartz rock have ridden the river, plucked from the mountains lining its banks. Polished and buffed as they tumble along, these rock particles dazzle like gemstones when tossed onto Cape May's sandy shores. Beloved by beachcombers, these "diamonds" are the daughters of the river, linking the state's past and present. Delving into the natural beauty of New Jersey's famous coastline, storyteller Trinka Hakes Noble has crafted a wondrous tale explaining the origin of the Cape May Diamond.Trinka Hakes Noble's award-winning picture books include The Last Brother, The Scarlet Stockings Spy (an IRATeachers' Choice, 2005), and the popular Jimmy's Boa series. Her awards include ALANotable Children's Book, IRA-CBC Children's Choice, and several Junior Literary Guild Selections. She lives in Bernardsville, New Jersey. E.B. Lewis is the acclaimed illustrator of numerous award-winning picture books, including the 2005 Caldecott Honor Book, Coming On Home Soon. He teaches illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City. He lives in Folsom, New Jersey.

A sing-along history lesson with music and lyrics.

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.

The completely revised and redesigned Hello U.S.A. series takes you on a tour of the history, geography, people, economy, and environment of the United States and Puerto Rico. Colorful photos, easy-to-read text, and fascinating sidebars provide the facts you need for research or reports. Each book includes completely up-to-date text and statistics, including 2000 U.S. Census figures. Also included are state wildlife, state song, and a recipe.

Claymont, Delaware, located strategically along the Delaware River, the Kings Highway, and the railroad, is a singular small town that, in many ways, has mirrored America's growth from the 1600s to the 1960s. Though an important thoroughfare between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. since colonial times, the essence of the Claymont community has always been determined by the vision of the steadfast people who, for centuries, have made it their home. Within these pages, readers will discover the Claymont of yesteryear, visiting the inns and taverns that sprang up to serve the needs of early travelers, the homes of such famous residents as artists Adolph Wertmueller and F.O.C. Darley, and the summer retreats of Wilmington and Philadelphia's elite families. Readers will delight in views of the early farmhouses along the Post Road, the Delaware River's "gold coast" of the 1890s, the seaplane training facility of World War I, the old-fashioned meat counter at the A&P, and the Green Lantern Theatre. Schools and churches, neighborhoods and thoroughfares, businesses and memorable events, all captured and preserved by early photographers, make this entertaining trip down memory lane a must for Claymont residents, both past and present.