Washington and Staff Watching the Battle of Long Island, 1776. John Ward Dusmore. Collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum.
Written by Theresa DeCicco
New York City was the stage for many of George Washington’s career trials and triumphs. Shortly after the Continental Congress agreed to independence in 1776, the General suffered his worst military defeat within the current city limits. Throughout the Revolution, Washington would seek to regain New York from British Occupation, but his re-entry into the city would not occur until British evacuation on November 25, 1783. On December 4, 1783, Washington bid farewell to his officers and public duty in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern. Civil service would beckon Washington again as the first President of the United States. His inauguration would be viewed by thousands at Federal Hall, at the intersection of Broad and Wall Streets on April 30, 1789. Throughout this tour, we will explore Washington’s various visits to the city and how his experiences within New York City and around ultimately shaped and defined his public career.
