Federal Hall National Memorial
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The tall columns fronting Federal Hall and the majestic statue of George Washington located on its steps are iconic sights on Wall Street. Built on the site of New York’s first City Hall and located across from the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Hall National Memorial is both an American history museum and a memorial to the country’s first President. Click to book your Wall Street & Financial District walking tour.
The First Capital of the USA
Though few people link New York City with the federal government of the United States, Wall Street is where it all began. Federal Hall was the first US Capitol Building, the site of George Washington’s first inauguration, and the location where the Bill of Rights was formally enacted. Though the original house has since been demolished, the current edifice, which was completed in 1842 as the US Customs House, now functions as a national memorial managed by the National Park Service. Brush up on your American history 101 with a free tour (on your own or with a guide).
This site is where George Washington took the oath of office as the country’s first President on April 30, 1789. It was also the location of America’s first Congress and Supreme Court. The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and the building was demolished in 1812. The current structure, built as a US Customs House, now features a museum with a collection of Washington’s inaugural memorabilia and other artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of America’s beginnings.
Things to See
Highlights of the site include the Bible George Washington used to take his oath of office as the first American President, the stone floor of the original Federal Hall’s balcony where Washington stood for his swearing-in ceremony, and the actual railing he stood behind to take his presidential oath.
Visiting Federal Hall
Location: 26 Wall Street (between Broad and Nassau Streets in Manhattan’s Financial District) New York, NY, 10005
Click here to visit Federal Hall official website.