‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

It was 186 years ago today that Nippertown made its biggest and most enduring contribution to the holiday season.

On December 23, 1823, Troy newspaper The Troy Sentinel first published the poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which is better known these days by its opening line, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

The poem was originally published anonymously, although authorship was later attributed to Clement Moore. There is some controversy surrounding the poem, however, and some scholars believe that it was instead written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr. Here’s a scan of the original newsprint page.

Either way, the fine citizens of Troy were the first to read the now-classic poem.

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”