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.
Stonewall➢
Stonewall National Monument commemorates the events that took place outside the Stonewall Inn in June 1969. The uprising began after a police raid on the bar and lasted several days. Many historians consider it the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
President Barack Obama established Stonewall National Monument on June 24, 2016. It was the first National Park Service site dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. The monument includes Christopher Park and the surrounding streets where the uprising took place. The Stonewall Inn, located across the street, remains privately owned but is an important part of the site’s story.
This was my first visit to Stonewall National Monument. I started at the visitor center, where I watched the park film and explored the exhibits. The displays explain the history of the Stonewall Uprising, the people involved, and the movement that followed.
After leaving the visitor center, I walked through Christopher Park. Rainbow Pride flags lined the walkways during my visit, adding color to the small park. I also spent time looking at the Gay Liberation sculpture by George Segal. The four white-painted figures were installed in 1992 and symbolize conversation, acceptance, and community.
Manhattan Sites➢
Location: 51 Christopher Street, New York, NY
Designation: National Monument
Date designated/established: June 24, 2016
Date of my visit: June 3, 2025
