Page Contents
The Untold Truth of the 1826 Eggnog Riot
Are you a fan of eggnog? Well, imagine being so passionate about this creamy holiday drink that you risk being court-martialed for it. That’s exactly what happened in 1826 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Let’s dive into the fascinating and untold story of the Eggnog Riot.
A tough academy
In the early 1800s, the United States Military Academy had a reputation for being incredibly strict. Cadets were forbidden to play cards, use tobacco, or even read novels. Alcohol was only allowed on Independence Day and Christmas. Everything changed in 1825, however, when the students got excessively drunk on the Fourth of July and forcibly carried William Worth, the school’s commandant of cadets, to the barracks against his will (via History).
As a result of this incident, a new rule was implemented banning all forms of alcohol on campus, even during holidays.
The Eggnog Tradition
However, the cadets were unwilling to give up their cherished tradition of drinking eggnog every Christmas. On Christmas Eve 1826, a group of cadets decided to take matters into their own hands. They managed to smuggle gallons of alcohol onto campus, including whiskey, brandy, rum, and wine from local stores. Notably, among the group of cadets involved in this act was Jefferson Davis, who would later become president of the Confederacy.
The party begins
Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, the no-nonsense superintendent of the Academy, had posted two guards, Lieutenant William A. Thornton and Captain Ethan Allen Hitchcock, at the North Barracks. But when midnight struck and all was quiet, the guards went to sleep (via The Takeout). Seizing the opportunity, the cadets began mixing the smuggled liquor into their eggnog.
At four in the morning, the cadets became rowdy and loud enough to wake Captain Hitchcock, who was sleeping on a lower floor. Just as Hitchcock entered the room, Jefferson Davis burst in and warned the revelers of Hitchcock’s arrival. Unfortunately, it was too late. Hitchcock proceeded to read the group the Riot Act, informing them that their gathering was unlawful.
The Riot Unleashed
Undeterred by Hitchcock’s warning, the drunken cadets throughout the North Barracks began hurling threats and objects at the guards. It wasn’t until William Worth, the commandant of cadets, arrived that the cadets finally calmed down. By then, however, the damage had been done – the barracks were in disarray.
Consequences and Aftermath
While most of the partygoers escaped punishment, 22 of the most egregious offenders, including Jefferson Davis, were placed under house arrest and confined to their rooms. As a result, 19 cadets were court-martialed, and 11 of them were expelled from the Academy. One can only hope that they at least enjoyed their spiked eggnog before the chaos ensued.
So the next time you raise a glass of eggnog this holiday season, remember the untold story of the 1826 Eggnog Riot – a tale of tradition, rebellion, and the consequences of indulgence.
Recommended:
- The Untold Truth of the 1826 Eggnog Riot
FAQS
What was the Eggnog Riot of 1826?
The Eggnog Riot of 1826 refers to a historical event that took place at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. It involved a group of cadets who defied the prohibition of alcohol and organized a secret gathering to enjoy spiked eggnog.
Why did the cadets organize the eggnog riot?
The cadets were unhappy with the newly implemented policy that banned all forms of alcohol on the Academy campus, even during holidays. They wanted to preserve their tradition of drinking eggnog during the holidays and decided to smuggle alcohol into the barracks to continue the festivities.
Who were some of the notable characters involved in the Eggnog Riot?
One notable figure involved in the Eggnog Riot was Jefferson Davis, who later became president of the Confederacy. Davis was part of the group of cadets who organized and participated in the secret meeting.
What were the results of the Eggnog Riot?
Following the Eggnog Riot, 22 of the most egregious offenders, including Jefferson Davis, were placed under house arrest and confined to their rooms. In addition, 19 cadets were court-martialed, and 11 of them were ultimately expelled from the Academy.
How did authorities discover the Eggnog Riot?
The guards stationed at the North Barracks, Lieutenant William A. Thornton and Captain Ethan Allen Hitchcock, had gone to sleep under the assumption that all was quiet. However, the noise of the cadets finally woke Captain Hitchcock, who entered the room and discovered the unlawful assembly.
Why is the Eggnog Riot significant?
The Eggnog Riot serves as a historical anecdote that illustrates the rebellious nature of the cadets at the United States Military Academy in the early 1800s. It highlights their determination to uphold their traditions and the consequences they faced for defying authority.