Evacuation Day

I like to think of myself as well informed, if not an expert, on American history. But last week, writer and NPR personality Sarah Vowell appeared on The Daily Show to talk about Evacuation Day, which this year falls on the day after Thanksgiving. No, it has nothing to do with the digestive system after a big meal, but instead refers to a day that for several generations was a big holiday in the U.S.

On November 25, 1783, the last British troops left New York, and the war came to an end (the last shot was said to have been fired on this day, when a British ship fired a cannon shot at jeering crowds on the coast of Staten Island, which fell short). The British lifted a Union Jack at Battery Park on a greased pole before they left, but an enterprising and agile veteran named John Van Arsdale was able to ascend the pole and remove the offending flag and replace it with the Stars and Stripes. George Washington then led a procession in, as pictured above.

Vowell also informed viewers that New York suffered greatly during the occupation, especially prisoners of war on prison ships docked in Wallabout Bay, which today is an area between the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. More than 10,000 soldiers and sailors died there, more than those killed in all of the battles of the Revolutionary Wars combined. The city also suffered two devastating fires during the period.

From then on, for about 100 years, the date was marked with revelry. Boys reenacted Van Arsdale's feat and tried to climb greased poles. But, as Vowell put it, one person was responsible for the waning of Evacuation Day festivities: "Abraham fuckin' Lincoln." When Lincoln proclaimed that the last Thursday of November should be a day of Thanksgiving, it eclipsed Evacuation Day, which fell on or near the new holiday. Thus it remains largely unknown.

I'm currently reading a massive biography of George Washington and, as there are several places to visit a short drive from me that are key to his life, I will be noting them here. Who knows, I may be inspired enough to make the drive to Mount Vernon. Stay tuned. Happy Evacuation Day!