Matthew McLeod

Dr. Russo
ENY Gotham Experience
10/28/14

Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan is the Genesis of what we know today as New York City the
Mecca where it all began. The southern most tip of the city is where the Dutch had
established their colony in 1624. Lower Manhattan was originally the center of the
city and what we could call the hub of New York where all of the action and
transactions took place. In the 19
th
century Lower Manhattan was home to Wall
Street, one of the nations first financial districts.

Unfortunately, for todays class I could not join the rest of my classmates due to a
conflict in my schedule. Fortunately, instead of me joining the rest of the class, I
took the trip to Lower Manhattan with my mother via car, rather than by subway.
My first stop on the tour was the African Burial Ground National Monument. This
particular stop on my tour is located on Broadway, between Duane and Reade
Street. It is here between 1690 and 1794, around 20,000 free Africans and slaves
were buried on a six-acre burial ground. In 2007 the memorial was opened in
honor of the African slaves that played a role in developing New York City ENY 45).

My second stop was the Tweed Court House. The building which was erected by
John Kellum and Leopold Eidlitz has been referred to as one of the citys most
grandest and civic monuments. As we continued down Chamber Street, making a
left on Broadway, we ran into the famous Woolworth building. Our next stop was St.
Pauls Chapel. The Georgian styled structure, made out of Manhattan schist, was a
thing of beauty. It was truly to my surprise to discover that this chapel is the oldest
surviving church along with the only pre-revolutionary war church to survive. After
walking in and observing the handcrafted woodwork along with the elaborate
ornamental decoration, you truly appreciate the chapels beauty and resiliency for
surviving this long (ENY 45).

We then continued to journey up a little further until we found Wall Street where
we came across Trinity church. Trinity church in contrast to St. Pauls looked a lot
more gigantic but very similar to the chapel, its exterior beauty caught your eye
immediately. The gothic revival styled church was completed in 1876 and from
then until the Brooklyn Bridge was created stood as the tallest building in the city.
As many of you may know Wall Street is the home of the famous New York Stock
Exchange and it his here on the corner of Nassau/Broad street where we saw it
(ENY50).

After crossing the street we then saw Federal Hall National Museum. This building
was the sight of many oppositional and defiant acts that played a part in leading to
the revolutionary war. It was here that John Zenger was acquitted of libel charges
in1735 which ultimately led to formulating part of the first amendment, which is
the freedom of press. Although I wasnt able to see inside the museum because it
was closed, the Greek revival building with President Washington standing tall in
the center did the building justice (ENY 51).

My next destination was towards Bowling Green Park. Upon approaching Bowling
Green Park I was able to see the famous Charging Bull. Even though the bull at first
was an act of guerilla art in response to black Monday to provide optimism for
Wall Street, it subsequently became a great tourist attraction. After continuing
walking down Broadway I came across the Cunard building before I reached
Bowling Green Park. It is said here that Peter Minuit supposedly purchased
Manhattan Island from the Native Americans. Opposite the park on Broadway you
can see the building 1 Broadway. On a street filled with prominent buildings here
stands the first and original skyscraper of them all. As I was walking through the
park I came across a magnificent building. The Alexander Hamilton Costume House
known for its contrasting sculptures. One representing Europe/The old world
enthroned while the other represents America displaying liberty and justice
(ENY53).

I next made it to Pearl Street and it is here I came across Fraunces Tavern Museum.
The museums originally was used as a meeting place for the New York Sons of
Liberty, but then turned into a rooming house and beer parlor. It wasnt until 1904
that the building was purchased and renovated to restore the original resemblance.
Although it is often debated whether or not the building is back to its original
prominence, the interior still holds the greatness and history of its past which can
never be taken away. I then walked towards New York Plaza/state Street where I
saw St. Elizabeths Ann Seton Shrine. After seeing the Shrine I stopped off at chipotle
for dinner.

Once I was refueled and replenished from my meal, I was ready to go. I took on
Battery Park. The 23 acre park is a wonderful park of open space where it is the
largest recreational space in lower Manhattan. The park was originally used as an
immigrant receiving station before Ellis Island. In addition, while in the park I was
able to see Castle Clinton which also served as an immigrant station. It was said
eight million immigrants arrived in New York through these doors. The park also
included monuments such as: The Immigrant statue, Sphere, and Netherlands
Memorial monument (ENY 56).

After visiting Battery Park and seeing the doors that millions of immigrants, some of
who may have been my own ancestors, I really was able to fully appreciate what
they all had to go through just to enter the shores of America. I then continued
walking further into Battery Park City and passed Robert Wagner Park. A little bit
further up on Battery place I saw two museums opposite each other; The Museum of
Jewish Heritage and the Skyscraper Museum. Even though it was late and both
museums were closed both the history behind them and what they represented is
extremely important to our country.

My next stop took a little bit of walking, but once I arrived to the site it was
definitely worth the extended journey. When I arrived at the 9-11 Memorial
Museum and Monuments I instantly got the chills. The two gapping rectangles filled
with a ginormous waterfall was a thing of beauty. Although its very emotional to
think about that tragic day, its inspiring to see how America can bounce back and
produce something so extravagant. I then made my trip down to the Irish Memorial.
When we arrived it was a little dark so you couldnt entirely see the elevated mini
park. However, you could still see the illuminated quotes from different Irish men
and women along the walls leading into the park. Finally around the corner I went
to the Poets House, which celebrates poetry from around the world. A pretty
unique place if you are interested in poetry. My mom and I then finished our journey
across the street in the Teardrop Park. All in all todays adventure was a great
experience for the both of us. Especially, since my mom is even worse than me with
directions in general and then compound that with being in New York City. It was
truly my first test in navigating the streets of the city and for the most part I think it
was successful endeavor! (ENY 62)