About Evacuation Day
The evacuation marked the final British withdrawal from the former Thirteen Colonies
Once a yearly local holiday exclusive to New York City, Evacuation Day used to hold as much significance as the Fourth of July. Commemorating the evacuation of British troops from the city after the Revolutionary War, this annual celebration of their departure was a longstanding tradition up until the early 20th century.
Though its popularity fluctuated over time, at its peak, Evacuation Day stood as one of the most paramount holidays in the history of New York City. Marking the end of their occupation in America, the last of the British soldiers who served during the American Revolution left Manhattan on November 25, 1783.
At 1:00 p.m. that same day, John Van Arsdale removed the last British flag, flying over the newly independent American states near Fort George. He climbed the flag pole which had been greased by the British, removed their flag and replaced it with the Stars and Stripes formally ending the American Revolution.
In the centuries that followed that historic day, Britain has emerged as one of the United States’ closest allies. Following their departure, the city was secured by American troops under the command of General Knox, who promptly called for all residents to welcome New York’s Governor Clinton and General Washington into lower Manhattan.
The event took place nearly three months after the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the American Revolution. The last British soldiers withdrew from New York City, which had been the final British military position in the former Thirteen Colonies.
After the last Redcoat departed New York, General George Washington entered the city in triumph to the cheers of its citizens and presided over the ceremonies. The city had been under British control since its capture in September 1776.
On that Evacuation Day, George Washington was hosted at Fraunces Tavern in NYC for dinner by New York State Governor George Clinton, followed a few days later by Washington’s famous farewell toast in the Long Room.
NYC offers annual Evacuation Day Walking Tours. The tour, offered on the Saturday and Sunday closest to Evacuation Day, starts at City Hall Park and ends at Fraunces Tavern, tracing the footsteps of General Washington and the Continental Army’s triumphant return to New York City after nearly a decade of British occupation.