On July 15, 1779, Clement C. Moore, author of the famous children’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas”, was born in New York City

On July 15, 1779, Clement C. Moore, author of the famous children’s poem, “The Night Before Christmas”, was born in New York City. Moore’s vision of Santa Claus has been a prominent piece of American culture right up into the present day. 🎅🎅🎅

Moore first created the poem for his own children, before it was published anonymously on December 23, 1823 (200 years ago!) in a Troy, New York newspaper. It was frequently republished thereafter. 📰🎅🎁

Moore did not take credit for its authorship until 1837 however, purportedly because of his position as a professor (he initially did not want his name associated with such an unscholarly work).

Did you know? Moore’s father, Benjamin, was the Episcopal rector called upon to administer last rites to Alexander Hamilton after he was fatally wounded in his duel with Aaron Burr.

The Night Before Christmas, Arthur Rackham, 1915

-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer