Contributions to modern American Culture Washington Irving Contributions to modern American Culture

Influence on History In “A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus” he invented the idea that people once thought the earth was flat.

Influence on Comics Assigned the name “Gotham” to New York City Gotham is a real town in England. Supposedly very dimwitted. Making fun of New Yorkers (good-natured)

Influence on Athletics New York Knicks short for Knickerbockers

Influence on Halloween “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has become one of the most popular & retold Halloween stories.

Influence on Christmas Santa Claus Derived from Sinterklaas Dutch pronunciation of St. Nicholas St. Nicholas was a Greek Orthodox bishop in Turkey (Died: Dec. 6, 343)

Influence on Christmas He was the patron saint of children. Many good deeds & charities devoted to children. Reputation as a secretive gift-giver.

Influence on Christmas Dutch tradition holds that on St. Nicholas Day (Dec.6), he comes around and leaves toys in open windows.

Influence on Christmas 1809: Washington Irving published A History of New York First use of the name “Santa Claus” SC flies from rooftop to rooftop on horseback pulling a wagon “Santa Claus” is only used in America

Influence on Christmas 1823: Minister Clement C. Moore wrote a poem to his children. Titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Would become known by it’s opening line… ’T’was the Night Before Christmas Fist use of the flying sleigh and 8 reindeer