If history could talk, this place would be screaming! Federal Hall sits directly across the street from the NYSE and Wall Street. While the building that currently stands was constructed in 1842, but the original site housed the nation’s first Congress building!
Where is it?
Federal Hall is right off Wall Street in southern Manhattan. The NYSE is literally across the street.
What’s the Significance?
Long story short, Federal Hall was the birthplace of American Government. George Washington took the first Oath of Office on the stairs of the original building on the site and the first Congress met here to write the Bill of Rights.
When the capital moved to Philadelphia, the space served as New York’s city hall and then became a Customs House.
This was also the site where legislatures chose the site for Washington, D.C.!
Best Things to Do
Perusing the exhibits shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Take a picture with the statue of Washington outside! It’s same spot he stood when he became America’s first president.
My Favorite Trails
There are none.
My Favorite Parts
- The site literally has SO much history!
- There’s a pretty cool exhibit on the nationally protected sites around New York and how the represent a taste of others from across the country.
- The bible George Washington used during his inauguration is sometimes on display.
My Least Favorite
- Like most Manhattan NPS sites, there isn’t a ton to do.
Essential Details
- Entrance Fee: N/A
- Car needed: No
- Closest Subway Stop: Broad Street (J, Z)
- Closest Airport: JFK (John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport); LGA (LaGuardia Airport) and EWR (Newark Airport)
- Closest City: New York, New York
Turquoise Skies 
Interesting article, I would love to visit this site next time I’m in NYC,
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