New York City has been at the center of American culture and the country’s economy for centuries. The entire city expresses this influential history through its architecture, parks, museums, and the day-to-day lives of its inhabitants. If you’re visiting New York, there are several places that any history-lover should see. One could spend a lifetime experiencing the city’s historical legacies. Below is a list of must-see museums, landmarks, and historical places that will leave you mesmerized and inspired.
1. New York City’s Native American Landmarks
Before the Europeans violently colonized New York, it was the thriving home of the Lenape or Lenapehoking People. Their legacy lives on in several landmarks throughout the city.
Start your journey at Bowling Green Park. Here at the southern tip of Manhattan was one of the most sacred landmarks for the Lenape People. From here, the Wickquasgeck trail ran through Manhattan and New York State, all the way to Montreal, at that time known as Tiohtià:ke. While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the Museum of the American Indian.
Next, head to Inwood Hill Park. Here, you can visit the caves that were once used as seasonal homes for many Lenape People. You will also see Shorakkopoch Rock, a monument to the legend of the purchase of Manhattan from the Lenape by the Director-General of New Amsterdam in 1626.
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2. Apollo Theater
Few theaters in the world have had more influence on global culture than the Apollo. This historic landmark in Harlem has nurtured endless talent, including but not limited to Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Gladys Knight, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Prince, and hundreds more. The theater has been a New York City landmark since its opening in 1914.
If you love music and music history, no visit to New York would be complete without seeing the Apollo. After your visit, don’t miss the chance to experience the culture of the neighborhood of Harlem.
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most iconic monuments. It’s also an important part of the city’s history. The German engineer John A. Roebling designed the bridge and it was built in 1883. At the time when it was constructed, it became the world’s longest suspension bridge. After a few reconstruction projects, it became a National Historic Landmark.
To visit, get off the subway at either the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop or the Chambers Street Stop. Once there, you can cross the bridge by walking or by bike. The bridge offers some of the best views of New York City and Brooklyn. The view and the bridge itself have appeared in countless movies, commercials, and pieces of art over the last century.
4. Ellis Island
During the end of the 19th century, political, economic, and social turmoil ravaged Europe and many countries around the world. This led to waves of immigrants coming to the young and promising United States. In 1892, Ellis Island was built to handle the incredible number of immigrants. Starting with three Irish siblings, over 12 million people stepped onto the island and became US citizens.
Visiting the island and its museum is a must for anyone interested in world history. You can trace the journeys of famous historical figures and millions of American families in this landmark.
To get there, just take one of the ferries run by Statue City Cruises from Battery Park. Once you arrive, you can enjoy an audio guide or join a tour led by one of the knowledgeable park rangers.
5. The Statue of Liberty
By taking the same ferry that goes to Ellis Island from Battery Park, you can reach the world-famous Statue of Liberty. France gifted this 305-foot-high work to the United States in 1885. In 1886, workers assembled the statue’s pieces on Liberty Island and since then it has been watching over the entrance of New York Bay. The statue was built in the shape of a woman. In her right hand is a torch representing the guiding light of freedom. In her left hand is a tablet that reads JULY IV MDCCLXXVI, the date of the Declaration of Independence’s signing in Roman numerals.
When you visit, you can tour Liberty Island and learn more about the history of the statue. Don’t miss the chance to take the elevator or the stairs to the top of the pedestal. If you reserve your place ahead of time, you can also climb the 162 steps to the observation deck on the statue’s crown.
6. Empire State Building
The iconic Empire State Building has been featured in motion pictures such as the 1933 King Kong and in many other artworks of all kinds. It was and still is an international symbol of architectural ingenuity and the Art Deco movement. Its designers, the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, supposedly modeled it after a pencil. Construction took a mere 20 months to complete. From 1931 to 1971, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world.
Throughout its history, it has witnessed several historical moments. Most notably in World War II, a US B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into its 78th and 79th floors, leaving 14 people dead. Although the damage was significant, workers repaired it quickly, and soon, the building was as popular as ever. Visiting this amazing wonder is a must for anyone in New York City. From its influential history to its incredible beauty, the Empire State Building is one of the world’s greatest architectural monuments.
7. Flatiron Building
On Fifth Avenue, you can find the Flatiron Building, one of New York City’s famous symbols. The Flatiron Building is also one of the world’s best-known examples of the Beaux-Arts architectural movement. It was completed in 1902 and is now one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers. It’s also one of the most unique ones, having a narrow triangle shape at the convergence of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. When you visit, make sure to walk around the Flatiron Neighborhood, which was named after it. You’ll find some of New York’s most historical streets such as Madison Avenue here.
8. Hotel Chelsea
When you hear the names Jimi Hendrix, Andy Warhol, and Mark Twain, it’s hard not to think about the Hotel Chelsea. If you love music history, art, or literature, then few places in New York City are as important. This 12-story red brick building is an architectural gem of New York’s Victorian movement. It was built in 1883 as a massive apartment complex. In 1905 it became the Hotel Chelsea.
Although it started as a high-end hotel, the Hotel Chelsea started making a name for itself as a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. Writers William S. Burroughs and Arthur Miller wrote their most famous works in the hotel and many other creatives found inspiration in the hotel’s rooms. Today, the Hotel Chelsea may be far away from its original artistic edge, but it’s still worth a visit. Check out its interior and pay a visit to its world-famous bar.
9. Radio City Music Hall
New York’s Art Deco landmarks are plentiful and so are its theaters. This landmark, built in 1932, became the largest indoor theater in the world. As soon as you visit, you’ll see the famous neon signs blazing above the theater’s entrance. As you enter, it can feel like you’re traveling back in time. From the Grammys to the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall has hosted legendary pop culture events that have shaped American culture for almost a century. Don’t forget to schedule a tour of the building and theater. This is a one-of-a-kind experience during which you’ll learn about some of the biggest moments in show business.
10. New York City’s Grand Central Station
The American railroad fueled the country’s industry and growth from coast to coast. Few landmarks represent this incredible influence and history more than New York’s Grand Central Station. Built by the collaboration between Reed & Stem and the firm of Warren & Wetmore in 1903, it has since become one of the world’s most famous train stations. The beautiful Beaux-Arts building features murals showing Roman deities. Make sure to schedule a tour of the building to learn more about the amazing history of the terminal. You’ll find out about the engineering and architectural feats that went into the building’s construction and get to see one of the world’s busiest and largest operating rail terminals.
