Things to do / Travel Guide
The history of New York City, as opposed to that of many other major U.S. cities, is preserved and integrated into the modern landscape: There are no preserved historical quarters, no ancient ruins, no quaint “old town.” Walking around, you will find yourself passing the birthplace of a U.S. president, the building where financial empires were formerly controlled, and landmarks integral to the formation of the U.S. The history of the city is not set aside, made a museum; the history is living, breathing, and thriving.
You can learn about the ongoing history and the heritage of this city by visiting some of the more famous landmarks. This is a selection of some of the must-see sights, but it is by no means a complete list.
Historical Sites in Manhattan
A historic tour of Manhattan can follow the growth of New York by heading north up Broadway from Bowling Green, up through the Financial District, TriBeCa, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Midtown Manhattan, the Upper West Side and a logical end point, Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus at 116th Street.
In Lower Manhattan Wall Street and the surrounding Financial District is home to many sites where history was, and is, being made. The New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, City Hall certainly qualify as historic attraction as do many of the nearby buildings. The Federal Hall National Memorial , at 26 Wall Street, marks the location of the first capital of the nascent United States, where George Washington took his first oath of office. The Memorial, built in the 19th century, is undergoing rehabilitation to repair damage suffered in the attack on the World Trade Center, so call ahead to find out if it is open.
The World Trade Center Site - Various plaques are on display here that document the history of the WTC. Though too fresh in most people's minds to be considered history, the attacks of Sept 11, 2001 are put in perspective by a visit to ground zero, where 50,000 people used to work before the United States was attacked by extremist Arab Moslem Al-Qaida terrorists.
In Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is a central player in New York history having seen New Year's celebrations, soldiers returning from World War Two scenes, and of course, the latest in advertising technology. Many significant events in the history of United States theater occurred on and off Broadway in the Times Square area.
Empire State Building - One of the world's most famous skyscrapers is easily recognized by its strong, slender ascent into the New York City sky. The Empire State Building, opened in 1931 and 1,450 feet high, is currently the tallest building in New York and the second tallest in the United States. Built in the Art Deco style, its lobby is three stories high; with illuminated panels depicting the building that has modestly called itself the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Historical Sites in the Bronx
Yankee Stadium - This “House that Ruth Built” dates back to the “Roaring Twenties.” It has been the stage for some of Major League Baseball's greatest performers and singular events, such as Lou Gehrig's famous retirement speech and the on-field exploits of the Babe. Joe DiMaggio played here, as did Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and today's heroes like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Watching a game in this historic stadium is a must for any sports fan, as is taking a stroll through the hallowed Monument Park area, where the greatest Pin-Stripers are honored and their numbers retired. The stadium is scheduled for demolition with some of the historic elements preserved in the new stadium, across the street.
Historical Sites in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge - This famous bridge has ushered New Yorkers across the East River since 1883, when it was opened with much fanfare. The view is quite nice going into Manhattan.
In Brooklyn, near Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery is a notable historic attraction.
Other Historical Sites around New York City
The Statue of Liberty - Some Statue of Liberty facts: Lady Liberty has represented freedom and opportunity for millions of people for more than a century. The Statue of Liberty, a 450,000-pound gift from the people of France, is a “can't-miss” historical attraction for anyone visiting the Big Apple. After a long and arduous sea journey, the turn-of-the-20th-century immigrant saw her as the first symbol of a new life. The modern tourist can reach Liberty Island via the Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, which leaves on a fixed schedule from Battery Park in southern Manhattan, or from Jersey City, New Jersey. Ranger-led tours detail the history and technical aspects of the statue.
Ellis Island - This was the immigration port for millions of Europeans into the United States from its opening in 1892 until its closing in 1954. It was here that future citizens were processed, undergoing a physical examination and registering themselves and their families before proceeding on to begin their new lives in the United States. Ellis Island can be reached via the Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, or from Jersey City, New Jersey.
New York City Subway System - New York City opened its subway system in Manhattan on October 27th, 1904, with 28 stations. Today there are more than 450 stations, located in all boroughs, save for Staten Island, most of which were built by 1930. Despite renovations over the last 20 years, you can still see many of the original mosaic station signs that date back to the very early days of the subway.
Historical Sites in Manhattan and New York City
Historical-Sites
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