If you’re a history enthusiast visiting or living in New York City, you’re in for a treat. The city is one of the oldest and most well-known in the United States, fantastic collection of natural and architectural wonders to admire. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these locations are a must-visit for history buffs.
So here are a few locations, whether you’re a local or a tourist, that are a must-visit for history buffs. Some of them may be familiar, while others may not be as well-known. Regardless, they offer a genuine New York City experience. Here are the top spots for history lovers in NYC.
Simply referred to as Broadway, the Broadway Theatre is both a fantastic location and a cultural phenomenon. It is well known for having theaters with incredible performances and dazzling lights. The Theatre District in Midtown Manhattan is home to 41 professional theaters, each with at least 500 seats.
Nearly three centuries ago, in 1750, Walter Murray and Thomas Keane inaugurated the first Broadway theater. Shakespearian plays and operas were the main attraction at the theater at the time. Since then, the Theatre District has developed into one of New York’s most magnificent entertainment districts. The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Kinky Boots, and many other well-known Broadway productions are still available for viewing today.
Interestingly, all our guided bus tours depart and return to the Winter Garden Theatre backstage entrance in the heart of the city, on 7th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets.
The first thing to know about St. Paul’s is that it survived the Great New York City Fire in 1776. The fire broke out after the British took control of the city during the American Revolutionary War and destroyed a quarter of New York City’s area. However, the building of the episcopal chapel was finished in 1766, making it the city’s oldest still-standing ecclesiastical structure. You can find St. Paul’s chapel in Lower Manhattan, one of the best places in New York City for history buffs to visit because it is among the outstanding representations of Georgian architecture in the entire nation. You can identify it by its specific structure, size, and fantastic facade.
Moreover, on his inauguration day in 1789 and for the two years that New York City functioned as the country’s capital, George Washington attended services at St. Paul’s Chapel. You can see the Chapel on our guided day bus tour, as we explore NYC’s Financial District.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest existing house in the city and is a stunning structure that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. You can find this architectural beauty in the Washington Heights area of upper Manhattan. The mansion was the residence of a former British officer and, later, a French trader whose wife rose to prominence in New York society as one of the city’s wealthiest people and became a source of controversy. Moreover, in the early stages of the war, it served as George Washington’s field home. Today, the mansion is a national treasure and landmark. In truth, it was the backdrop for several movies and television programs that deal with the American Revolution and the early 1800s.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a must-see regardless of your faith or background. After all, it combines over 140 years of history and architectural beauty. This marble wonder took around 21 years from when the cornerstone was put in place to its completion in 1879. St. Patrick’s Cathedral exists today thanks to parishioners of the other churches in the Archdiocese of New York, who were primarily poor Irish immigrants. So if you are searching for the best spots for history lovers in NYC, don’t miss St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is also a stop on our guided day bus tour.
Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl St is one of the oldest and most significant taverns in New York. It is a must-see as it was a trendy gathering place for some of America’s Founding Fathers. When the Revolutionary War ended in December 1783, for instance, George Washington stood in Fraunces Tavern and addressed his officers, giving an emotional farewell speech as it was time to return home after the final British forces had left. The structure was built in 1719 and functioned as a hotel, tavern, and private dwelling. Today, you can stop by this pillar of the Financial District for a cold beer. Or you can go to the museum and discover the building’s fascinating background.
The subway has connected New York City for many years, and the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn celebrates this rich history. By visiting this museum, you can learn about the early days of transportation and the constantly evolving technology and architecture of NY’s mass transit system. Furthermore, you may ride on retro subway cars, drive a city bus, and even pass through a time portal made of turnstiles. This historical museum is both entertaining and educational. At the same time, while you are in Brooklyn and if you are considering moving to New York, explore the neighborhoods a bit more. As you will see, there are great areas for young professionals all over Brooklyn. In truth, many young people move to Brooklyn as career opportunities are not modest here.
From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island, now a component of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, served as the main port of entry for immigrants to the United States. Today, you can observe a park area and other buildings on the island. However, the main structure, which formerly served as the immigration port of entry, is now a museum that chronicles the history of immigrants in New York. Tourists can visit the museum and view a range of exhibitions concerning the immigrant experience and the history of immigrants in New York and the United States. We’ll take a glimpse at the Ellis Island from the Staten Island Ferry on our guided day bus tour!
As you can see, there are many exciting sites a history buff can explore in NY. However, if you are interested in other best spots for history lovers in NYC, and not only, be sure to research more of New York City’s attractions. The Big Apple won’t disappoint you!
Amy Baker, Freelance Writer in Collaboration With USA Guided Tours Blogging Team