In our continuing series in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Historical Society of the New York Courts is highlighting New York’s role in the creation of our nation and its legacy through its annual calendar. In November, we are spotlighting Evacuation Day.
April: George Washington’s Inauguration
The American Revolution ended in 1783 and the British left New York City on November 25th, which became known as Evacuation Day. The British, however, did leave a parting gift for the Americans: a British flag nailed to the top of a greased flagpole, which made it very difficult to take down. John Jacob Van Arsdale became a hero after he climbed up the flagpole, removed the British flag, and raised an American flag. Evacuation Day was celebrated annually in New York until its last official observance in 1916.
Image Captions
Depiction of John Jacob Van Arsdale climbing up a greased flagpole, removing the British flag, and replacing it with an American flag. Evacuation of New York by the British, November 25, 1783, issued at the Office of Pictorial War Record, November 30, 1883. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-pga-03446.
“Evacuation day” and Washington’s triumphal entry in New York City, Nov. 25th, 1783, lithograph by Edmund P. Restein and Ludwig Restein, 1879. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LC-DIG-pga-02468.