| Washington Entered New York In
Triumph
Finally, with the treaty signed, the British were prepared to evacuate
New York. Washington was up at McGowns Pass in what is now Central
Park. He started riding south into the city and was warmly greeted
by a grateful public as the British marched to their ships and sailed
away. He rode to Fraunces Tavern and hosted his officers in a victory
banquet.
After the British evacuated the city, the Americans fired a 13-gun
salute from Fort George at the Battery and raised the American flag,
signaling the end of the war. That night, there was a fireworks
display at Bowling Green that the local newspaper said "exceeded
every former Exhibition in the United States."
On Dec. 4, 1783, Washington was again at Fraunces Tavern to say
farewell to his officers in the Long Room. Saving America from the
fate of many republics that turned quickly to military dictatorship,
Washington quickly resigned his post and returned to civilian life.
Next:
Causes
|
Washington Entering New York. Percy Moran,
private collection. From a Fraunces Tavern Museum catalog. |
