Wall Street & Lower Manhattan, New York History Walking Tour

New York City’s Wall Street and Lower Manhattan neighborhoods are rich with historical significance, from the iconic skyscrapers to the cobblestone streets. Visitors can explore this captivating past on a 1.5-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Along the way, they’ll discover landmarks like Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office, and the oldest tavern in the city, where the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury once held meetings. But the true wonder of this tour lies in how it seamlessly weaves together the city’s storied past with its contemporary landscape, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for…

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour walking tour that covers the rich history of Lower Manhattan, including the purchase of Manhattan for $24 in beads.
• Visits Federal Hall where George Washington became the first U.S. President and the oldest tavern where he held meetings.
• Explores the city’s oldest park with an original 1773 fence and provides insights into the tragic duel that claimed Alexander Hamilton’s life.
• Includes a visit to the magnificent Beaux-Arts Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, which housed the nation’s federal customs operations.
• Culminates at Trinity Church, the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

Setting out on a walking tour in the heart of Lower Manhattan, New York, participants can expect a captivating 1.5-hour journey through the city’s rich history. The small-group experience, limited to 10 individuals, is led by a live tour guide who provides insightful commentary in English.

Reservations can be made in advance, with payment due at a later time. The tour offers a chance to unravel the purchase of Manhattan for $24 in beads, visit the Federal Hall where George Washington became President, and explore the oldest tavern in New York, where Washington held meetings.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour may be canceled due to inclement weather, with a full refund provided.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour offers several captivating highlights, including the chance to unravel the famous purchase of Manhattan for just $24 worth of beads.

Participants will also visit Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as the nation’s first president.

Plus, the tour takes visitors to the oldest tavern in New York City, where Washington himself held important meetings.

Attendees will stroll through the city’s oldest park, featuring an original 1773 fence, and learn about the tragic duel that claimed the life of Alexander Hamilton.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights into the rich history of Lower Manhattan and its iconic landmarks.

Starting Location

The walking tour kicks off at One State Street Plaza in the Financial District, a prominent location in Lower Manhattan.

This is where you will meet their knowledgeable guide and begin their journey through the historic streets of New York City.

One State Street Plaza is surrounded by towering skyscrapers and is just a short distance from some of the tour’s key highlights, including the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and the iconic Charging Bull statue.

From this central starting point, the group will set out to uncover the rich history and fascinating stories that have shaped the Financial District and the wider Lower Manhattan area.

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

From the starting point at One State Street Plaza, the tour stops at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a magnificent Beaux-Arts building that once served as the center of federal customs operations in New York City.

Designed by architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907, the Custom House is an impressive example of early 20th century architecture.

Today, it houses the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.

The guide will discuss Hamilton’s influential role in establishing the nation’s customs system and the building’s historical significance in the financial heart of Lower Manhattan.

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Trinity Church and Alexander Hamilton’s Gravesite

Next, the tour group makes its way to the iconic Trinity Church, one of the oldest religious institutions in New York City.

Dating back to the 1700s, this Episcopal church boasts a rich history and serves as the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury.

The guide points out Hamilton’s modest yet poignant gravesite, where visitors can pay their respects to this Founding Father and learn more about his life and legacy.

Hamilton’s story is inextricably linked to the history of New York and the nation, and the church provides a fitting backdrop to reflect on his contributions and untimely demise in a famous duel.

Wall Street and New York Stock Exchange

After exploring the historical sites around Trinity Church, the tour group proceeds to the iconic Wall Street, the heart of New York’s financial district.

Here, they learn about the origins and evolution of the New York Stock Exchange, one of the world’s largest stock markets and a symbol of American capitalism. The guide explains how this bustling thoroughfare has witnessed the rise and fall of countless fortunes, shaping the economic landscape of the nation over the centuries.

The group stands in awe of the imposing facade of the New York Stock Exchange building, the epicenter of global finance, and imagines the frenetic activity that takes place on its trading floors every day.

Federal Hall and Stone Street Historic District

The tour group proceeds to Federal Hall, the site where George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States. Here, they learn about the rich history of this iconic building, which has served as the seat of the US Congress and the location of many pivotal moments in American history. The group then strolls through the Stone Street Historic District, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Manhattan. This cobblestone-lined street is home to some of the city’s most well-preserved 18th and 19th century architecture, including Fraunces Tavern, where Washington bid farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War.

Key Facts About Federal Hall
Constructed in 1842	Replaced the original Federal Hall
National Historic Landmark	Housed the US Customs House
Site of Washington’s Inauguration	Served as Capitol of US (1785-1790)

Fraunces Tavern Museum and Ending Location

After exploring the historic Federal Hall and the picturesque Stone Street, the tour group arrives at the Fraunces Tavern Museum, which provides a glimpse into 18th-century New York City.

This iconic hotel, where George Washington bid farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War, now houses a museum dedicated to the city’s rich colonial and early American history. Visitors can step back in time as they wander through the well-preserved rooms and learn about the tavern’s role in shaping the nation.

The tour then concludes at the starting point, One State Street Plaza, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Lower Manhattan’s storied past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children as it involves walking for 1.5 hours and discussing historical events that may not be of interest to young participants. The tour operator does not allow pets, though assistance dogs are permitted.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, but should avoid disrupting the guide or other guests. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific photography policies before the tour.

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention a scheduled restroom break. However, participants can likely request a brief stop during the 1.5-hour walking tour if needed. The tour guide will likely be accommodating to participants’ needs within reason.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour provider does not provide any. Consumption of food and drinks is allowed during the tour, though there is no planned stop for a meal break.

Is the Tour Guide Available to Answer Additional Questions?

The tour guide is available to answer additional questions from participants during the walking tour. Guests are encouraged to interact with the guide and ask any follow-up questions they have about the sights and history covered.

Recap

The Wall Street & Lower Manhattan, New York History Walking Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich past.

Participants explore influential landmarks, learn about the $24 purchase of Manhattan, and pay respects at the gravesite of Alexander Hamilton.

This small-group experience led by a knowledgeable guide is a must-do for anyone interested in the history and heritage of New York City.

You can check availability for your dates here: