New York – Around Town : Lower Manhattan (part 1)

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Old and new New York meet at the tip of the island.
The city was born here under Dutch rule and became the nation’s first
capital after the Revolutionary War (1775–83). At the intersection of
Broad and Wall streets are the Federal Hall National Memorial, marking
the site where George Washington was sworn in as president in 1789, and
the New York Stock Exchange, the financial giant founded in 1817, whose
influence is felt worldwide. The 20th-century skyscraper era added drama
to the skyline. The 2001 leveling of the World Trade Center towers
damaged but certainly did not destroy lower Manhattan. Historic
buildings, exciting architecture, outdoor sculptures, and waterfront
promenades remain unscathed. Numerous museums and galleries add to the
area’s appeal.

George Washington in New York

A statue at the Federal Hall National Memorial
where George Washington was sworn into office is testament to the time
the president spent in New York City. So too is the pew where he
worshipped at St. Paul’s Chapel, and the museum at Fraunces Tavern where he said farewell to his officers in 1789.






Sights

  1. New York Stock Exchange

    The
    present building opened in 1903, and behind its Neo-Classical facade is
    the financial heart of the U.S. The exchange has grown from a dealing
    with local businesses to a global enterprise. On the busiest days,
    billions of shares are traded for more than 8,500 listed issues,
    although the action is much calmer now that everything is computerized.
    On its most active days, between five and seven billion shares trade
    hands on the exchange.




    New York Stock Exchange

  2. Trinity Church

    This
    much-admired Gothic building is the third church on this site for one
    of the U.S.’s oldest Anglican parishes, founded in 1697. The church has
    had notable additions since completion in 1846, including the sacristy,
    chapel, and Manhattan wing; the bronze doors were donated as a memorial
    to John Jacob Astor III. Trinity is known for its musical programs, with
    concerts each Monday and Thursday at 1pm and occasional Sunday concerts
    by the full choir. Trinity also oversees the programs at St. Paul’s Chapel.

    • Broadway at Wall St

    • Open 7am–6pm daily (church), 7am–4pm (churchyard); tours 2pm daily and after 11:15am Sun service

    • Free




    Trinity Church

  3. Federal Hall National Memorial

    Although
    the bronze statue of George Washington on the steps marks the site
    where the nation’s first president took his oath of office, the original
    building was replaced by this handsome, columned Greek Revival
    structure in 1842. It served as the U.S. Custom House and a branch of
    the Federal Reserve Bank before becoming a museum in 1955, with exhibits
    of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Ranger-led tours are
    offered several times daily.




    Federal Hall interior



    Federal Hall National Memorial

  4. U.S. Custom House

    A
    renovation in 1994 installed gleaming galleries that circle the grand
    rotunda of this classic building. It is now the George Gustav Haye
    Center of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, with
    changing exhibits of Native American life, including costumes and fine
    crafts. Ceremonial objects, toys, and musical instruments in the
    research room can be examined and researched further on the computer
    installed there.

    • 1 Bowling Green, between State & Whitehall Sts

    • Museum open 10am– 5pm Fri–Wed, 10am–8pm Thu

    • Free

  5. Battery Park City

    Several
    prestigious architects were involved in this extension of Manhattan, a
    commercial and residential enclave built on a 92-acre landfill created
    with earth displaced by excavation for the World Trade Center. A 2-mile
    (3-km) esplanade offers grand Statue of Liberty views. Parts of the area
    were damaged by the Trade Center collapse but a brighter future is
    forecast. Enjoy the public works of art or visit the Skyscraper Museum.

    • Off West St, Battery Place to Chambers St, bounded by the Hudson River




    Battery Park City



    Battery Park City esplanade

  6. World Financial Center

    Some
    of the top U.S. financial companies have headquarters in the World
    Financial Center, which was damaged in the September 11 attack. The
    center of the complex is the Winter Garden, with a 120-ft (37-m) atrium,
    palms and marble steps .

  7. Museum of Jewish Heritage

    A
    memorable experience for all faiths is this chronicle of the
    20th-century Jewish experience before, during, and after the Holocaust,
    told with over 2,000 photographs, hundreds of artifacts, and original
    documentary films.

    • 36 Battery Place, Battery Park City

    • Open 10am–5:45pm Sun–Tue, Thu, 10am–8pm Wed, 10am–3pm Fri & Jewish holiday eves

    • Admission charge


    • www.mjhnyc.org

  8. Federal Reserve Bank

    Although
    gold is no longer transferred in payments between nations, much of the
    world’s gold reserve remains stored in the five-story vault below this
    building. All bank notes from this branch have the letter B in the
    Federal Reserve seal.

    • 33 Liberty St, between William & Nassau Sts

    • Tours 9:30, 10:30, 11:30am, 1:30, 2:30pm, Mon–Fri

    • Free, reserve ahead




    Federal Reserve Bank

  9. Charging Bull

    Sculptor
    Arturo di Modica unloaded this bronze statue in front of the New York
    Stock Exchange late at night in December 1989. It was removed, but was
    later given a “temporary” stomping ground on Broadway. The bull
    signifies the strength of the American people after the 1987 stockmarket
    crash.

    • Broadway at Bowling Green Park

  10. Battery Park

    Built
    largely on 18th- and 19th-century landfill, this park at New York
    harbor is usually visited for Castle Clinton, the 1811 fort and
    embarkation point for Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty ferries. This
    welcome swath of green is of interest for its many monuments and
    statues.

    • Broadway and Battery Place

    • Open daily

    • Free