On November 25, 1783, known as Evacuation Day, the last British troops finally withdrew from New York City, ending seven long years of occupation. Legend tells that before they left, the British nailed their Union Flag to a tall flagpole and coated the pole in grease, hoping to stop Americans from raising their own banner of victory. But New Yorkers refused to let the moment pass quietly. As crowds gathered in Battery Park, a daring patriot climbed the slick pole, inch by inch, determined to tea