FEDERAL HALL - NEW YORK CITY

Standing on the steps of Federal Hall, I placed my hand on the same weathered stone where George Washington took the oath of office as America's first president in 1789. This unassuming building at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets holds an almost sacred place in U.S. history - though most tourists walk right past it on their way to the Charging Bull.

The current 1842 Greek Revival structure (a Customs House built on the original Federal Hall site) contains wonderful surprises:
- The actual balcony where Washington was inaugurated (recreated from historical documents)

- Free exhibits tracing Wall Street's transformation from slave market to financial capital

A park ranger told me fascinating details about how the original 1703 building served as New York's City Hall before becoming the first Capitol - its balcony witnessing everything from colonial protests to the adoption of the Bill of Rights. The soaring rotunda interior still feels monumental, with a perfect dome-topped oculus that bathes the space in heavenly light.

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Post by Humphrey Jr | Jun 26, 2025