Hamilton's New York: Lower Manhattan Walking Tour

Join the Gilder Lehrman Institute and Professor Cindy Lobel on a virtual walking tour of Alexander Hamilton's New York City.

Untitled view of New York City, known as "the woody heights view" (1904-11-14) by DesBarres, Joseph Frederick Wallet (1722-1824)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Financial District and the Water Line

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In the eighteenth century, New York’s financial life centered around the docks of the East River. The corner where Wall Street met the water line was the heart of this neighborhood.

Tontine Coffee House (New York Public Library) (ca. 1820) by Hollyer, Samuel (1826-1919)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Water and Wall Streets

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The corner of Water and Wall Streets was home to two important institutions, the Merchants Coffee House and the Tontine Coffee House.

Alexander Hamilton (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (ca. 1804-1806) by Trumbull, John (1756-1843)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Hamilton’s Home and Office

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Hamilton practiced law in New York City from an office in his home at 57 Wall Street. The original building is no longer standing.

Bank of America (New York Public Library)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Bank of New York

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Hamilton helped found the Bank of New York, an important institution in the establishment of New York City as the nation’s financial capital. This building serves as the Museum of Finance today.

New York Stock Exchange (New York Public Library) (2/10/1905) by Fay & CoxThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

New York Stock Exchange

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Hamilton helped to establish the first stock exchange in New York, which was a precursor to the now famous New York Stock Exchange.

Federal Hall (11/23/1904)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Federal Hall

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George Washington was inaugurated at Federal Hall in 1789 and the building briefly served as the first home of the United States government. The capital was moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and then to Washington, DC.

Bowling Green (New York Public Library)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Bowling Green Park

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Bowling Green Park was a bucolic park in the center of the city. It was also the site of a major protest against King George III during the Revolution.

Customs House (New York Public Library) (12/3/1904) by Rollinson, William (1762-1842)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Customs House

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The Customs House was named after Hamilton, a proponent of manufacturing and trade.

Alexander Hamilton on the battlefield by Chappel, Alonzo (1828-1887)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Castle Clinton

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To aid the revolutionary army, Hamilton led a group who stole cannons from a British fort on the site of what is now Battery Park.

Fraunces Tavern (New York Public Library) (4/5/1905)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Fraunces Tavern

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Fraunces Tavern was the place of the last social meeting between Hamilton and Burr before the duel on July 11, 1804, in which Burr killed Hamilton.

Pearl Street in Hanover Square (New York Public Library) (ca. 1831-1834) by Osborne, Milo (1810-)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Hanover Square

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In Hamilton’s time, Hanover Square was the shopping district for the city’s elite.

Alexander Hamilton's grave site (1/10/2007) by Shea, PeterThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Hamilton's Grave

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Hamilton, his son Philip, and his wife Elizabeth are all buried close together in Trinity Church cemetery.

Trinity Church (New York Public Library) (2/3/1905)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Trinity Church

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The Soldier’s Monument in Trinity Churchyard commemorates the dead of the Revolutionary War.

Colonial moneyThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Commerce Building

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The first Chamber of Commerce was established in New York City during the years leading to the Revolution in order to boycott British goods.

City Hall (New York Public Library)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

City Hall Park

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City Hall Park was once an open space known as the Commons. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud to George Washington’s troops.

City Hall Park (New York Public Library) (1905-01-27)The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Chambers Street and Broadway

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Broadway was the major thoroughfare of New York City during Hamilton’s lifetime.

Credits: Story

Developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This tour, created for the Gilder Lehrman Online Course "Alexander Hamilton's America" led by Carol Berkin, features Professor Cindy Lobel of Lehman College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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