After hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud in 1776, a crowd tore down a statue of King George III that once stood here, destroying a symbol of monarchy and igniting a revolution. Read more.
The beautiful Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House sits on the site of Fort George, where a group of American patriots (including Hamilton) removed cannons so they couldn't be used by the British. Read more.
A statue for William Pitt, the English statesman who lobbied Parliament on behalf of the colonists to repeal the Stamp Act once stood at the intersection of Wall and William Streets. Read more.
This is the former site of Fort Washington, built by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It was captured in November 1776 by British and Hessian Forces and occupied by them until 1783. Read more.
George Washington became president of the United States on the balcony of Federal Hall on April 30, 1789. The original building was replaced in 1842 with this building in the Greek Revival style. Read more.
Varick Street is named for Richard Varick, the mayor of New York City from 1789-1801 who had served as George Washington's private secretary during the Revolutionary War. Read more.
Don't forget to toast liberty! Founding father Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet Common Sense helped convince America to fight for independence, died at this location in 1809. Read more.
Founding Father Alexander Hamilton named his last New York residence after his father's family home in Scotland. The surrounding neighborhood, Hamilton Heights, is named for him. Read more.
This sculpture by Henry Kirke Brown depicts George Washington addressing New Yorkers as the British retreated on Evacuation Day, November 25, 1783. Read more.
Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and several other important figures from the American Revolution are buried here. Find out more about their lives at the New-York Historical Society Museum! Read more.
As he watched British and Hessian soldiers firing on Americans here during the Battle of Brooklyn, George Washington exclaimed, "What brave men I must this day lose!" Read more.
At Battle Pass, Hessians attacked up Flatbush Road while the British circled around through in the rear to attack the Americans. A few patriots managed to escape through to forts on Brooklyn Heights. Read more.
Uncover more about New York's important role during America's founding era at the New-York Historical Society. Download the app for your smartphone here: Read more.