New England's Dark Day: An Eerie Twilight in American History

 

On May 19, 1780, New England and parts of Canada experienced a phenomenon that has since become known as New England's Dark Day. This event defied the norms of daylight, plunging the region into an unexpected and unsettling darkness. It’s a historical curiosity that has captivated imaginations and inspired numerous theories.

The day began like any other spring morning. The sun rose on schedule, but soon after, something unusual happened. The skies over New England started to darken, a darkness that spread from Portland, Maine, to New Jersey. It became so dark that by noon, people had to light candles to see.

The sudden darkness caused widespread panic and confusion. In the throes of the Revolutionary War, George Washington noted the peculiar occurrence in his diary, describing the skies as "heavy & uncommon kind of clouds" with an intermix of reddish light that alternated in brightness. 

The darkness was so profound that people resorted to prayer and introspection. Schools closed, and taverns and churches became refuges for those seeking comfort and answers. Even chickens, known for their sensitivity to light changes, returned to their roosts as if night had fallen. It was a day of collective bewilderment.

In the wake of this mysterious event, many theories emerged. Some speculated it was an eclipse, while others thought it might be a blazing star or the transit of Venus. Reverend Nathaniel Whitaker proposed that the darkness was a divine warning for New England to repent its sins. An anonymous poet captured the day's eerie ambiance with the lines:

"Nineteenth of May, a gloomy day, when darkness veiled the sky / The sun’s decline may be a sign, some great event is nigh."

The atmospheric conditions on that day were indeed strange. The sun appeared as a deep, brassy red orb, casting an enchanting yet ominous hue over the landscape. Rainwater had a sooty smell, and black scum was observed on rivers, particularly the Merrimack. In Boston, the air carried an unusual scent reminiscent of a malt-house or a coal-kin.

Around 9:00 a.m., a dense, dark cloud moved in from the west, covering the sky entirely and leaving only a narrow rim of light on the horizon. This added to the surreal quality of the day, making it seem as though the natural order had been momentarily upended.

In Connecticut, the State Council was in session and faced the prospect of adjourning due to fears that Judgment Day was upon them. However, Abraham Davenport, a steadfast member, made a memorable stand. He declared:

"I am against adjournment. The day of judgment is approaching, or it is not. If not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles may be brought."

Davenport’s words exemplified the resolve and pragmatism of the time, choosing duty over fear in the face of the unknown.

The Dark Day of 1780 has left an indelible mark on New England's history. In 1873, John Greenleaf Whittier immortalized it in a poem, ensuring that this mysterious event would not be forgotten.

The exact cause of the Dark Day remains a topic of debate. Some scientists suggest that forest fires, combined with fog and cloud cover, could have been responsible. Others point to volcanic activity as a potential cause. Regardless of the cause, the event is a fascinating moment when the natural world seems to pause and reflect on its mysteries.

Next time you find yourself in New England, take a moment to remember the Dark Day of 1780—a day when the skies played a mysterious game of hide-and-seek with the sun, plunging an entire region into an unforgettable twilight.