The
lower tip of Manhattan (called Lower Manhattan or Downtown), where the
East and Hudson rivers meet, is where New York City began; it was also
our nation's
first capital. In one of history's most famous real estate deals, Dutch
traders purportedly purchased the island of "Man-a-hatt-a" from
the Algonquin Indians in 1621 for $24 worth of beads and other trinkets.
Originally called
Nieuw Amsterdam by these Dutch settlers, the 21st century blend of old
colonial churches and gleaming skyscrapers has become the financial capital
of the
world. The heart of it all is the area clustered around Wall Street - originally
a walled fortress (c. 1633) built by the settlers. Titanic edifices such
as the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank buildings line
the streets here. Also see Financial New York. While modern day business
is the focus of Lower Manhattan, many visitors come to this area to experience
the history of New York City. Nearby is Federal Hall Memorial, the spot
where George Washington took his oath as America's first president, and
Fraunces
Tavern, where he celebrated the end of the Revolutionary War. Other famous
landmarks include Trinity Church/St. Paul's Chapel, a national landmark
built in 1766. At the towering height of 284 feet, it was once the tallest
structure
in New York City. George Washington attended services here. Alliance for
Downtown New York leads a free 90-minute walking tour that includes stops
at Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange every Thursday and Saturday
at noon. Meet at the front steps of the National Museum of the American
Indian; no reservations are necessary. For information on the tours, call
212/606-4064.
Broadway, one of New York's oldest thoroughfares (it was originally a woodland
cow path) and the only avenue to cut diagonally across Manhattan, runs
in some form from Manhattan's southern tip to the state capital of Albany,
150
miles (240 km) away. Don't miss the "Olde New York" atmosphere
of South Street Seaport, with its majestic tall ships, museums, shops,
lively restaurants, and special events. The South Street Seaport Museum
is an 11-square-block
historic district including historic ships, changing exhibits, tours, films,
and harbor sails aboard 19th-century schooners. New York Unearthed is the
only museum dedicated to New York's archaeological heritage, where visitors
can view 5000 years of New York history.
