Manhattan Sites Tour➢
In June 2025, I took advantage of a day off to complete the New York City National Park Service units, starting with an early subway ride to Lower Manhattan. I joined the first ranger-led tour of the day at Castle Clinton National Monument. Although I had passed through several times when it served as the security checkpoint for the Statue of Liberty ferry, this was my first true visit to the historic fort itself. From there, I walked north to Trinity Church, exploring the cemetery with the goal of finding Alexander Hamilton’s grave, before revisiting Federal Hall and continuing on to the African Burial Ground National Monument.
From the African Burial Ground, I took the subway uptown to Stonewall National Monument. This was my first visit to the site, and I spent time exploring the new visitor center, including watching the park film. Afterward, I walked through Christopher Park across the street and took photos of the exterior of the Stonewall Inn before heading home, bringing a full and meaningful day of exploring New York City’s National Park Service sites to a close.
Federal Hall➢
Federal Hall National Memorial stands on one of New York City’s most important historic sites. The site began in 1703 as New York’s first City Hall.
During the colonial era, the Stamp Act Congress met here to protest taxation without representation. In 1789, the building became the first capital of the United States under the Constitution.
George Washington took the oath of office as the nation’s first president here on April 30, 1789. Congress met in the building during the country’s first year under the Constitution. Lawmakers also introduced the Bill of Rights here.
The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790. Workers demolished the original Federal Hall in 1812. The current Greek Revival building opened in 1842 as the U.S. Custom House. Treasury offices later occupied the building. Congress designated it as Federal Hall National Memorial in 1939.
Today, exhibits explore the early history of the federal government. Several artifacts relate to Washington’s inauguration. Displays also include models showing how the site changed over time.
I first visited Federal Hall in 2017, so this stop was a revisit rather than a new experience. Construction work was taking place at the front of the building, so visitors entered through the rear entrance.
Inside, I spent time exploring the exhibits and viewing the building models. I also stopped beneath the rotunda to admire the domed ceiling. Most of my photos from this visit focus on the exhibits and interior architecture.
Federal Hall also played a role in New York City’s recovery after the September 11 attacks. In September 2002, Congress met here for the first time in more than 200 years. The session showed support for the city’s recovery. Damage from the attacks led to a major restoration project. The memorial closed in 2004 and reopened two years later.
After a brief visit, I stepped back onto Wall Street and continued north toward the African Burial Ground National Monument.
Manhattan Sites➢
- Castle Clinton NM
- Trinity Church
- Federal Hall NMEM
- African Burial Ground NM
- Stonewall NM
Location: 26 Wall St, New York, NY
Designation: National Memorial
Date designated/established: 1939
Date of my visit: June 3, 2025
This is very interesting. I don’t think a lot of contemporary students know this much of the nation’s history starts in Lower Manhattan let alone New York City.