1. Contributions to modern American Culture
Washington Irving
Contributions to modern American Culture

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. Influence on Athletics
New York Knicks
short for Knickerbockers

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

6. 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)

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

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

9. 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

10. 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