Today our tour guide was Ed O’Donnell from Holy Cross University. He is a native of Massachusetts but has spent many years in New York and was very knowledgeable about the history of the city. He took time to answer questions and presented in a way that was interesting and understandable.
Our first site on the tour was an African Burial ground. Between the years 1680-1750 this area was the number one slave city in the colonies. It was the busiest slave trade port and had the highest slave population. The area we toured was used as a burial ground for African Americans. Over time, the graves became deeper and deeper due to land fill. In 1991, a Federal Building was going to be built on the site. As the excavation got deeper, bones were discovered. Archeologists were proud in and over 450 remains were found. Some speculate that there could be over 20,000 bodies in the area under the enormous skyscrapers. Coffins were found with glass beads and sea shells that can be traced back to West Africa. The bodies were sent to Howard University where DNA testing was done to determine age and gender. After much discussion and debate, a memorial was set up and a celebration to commemorate the dead was given.
Ed then discussed the history of many of the buildings around the city. In 1846, Marble Palace was the first department store opened by Irish Immigrants. Also, we got a glimpse of the thirteen million dollar Boss Tweed Court House. Another iconic building is the Woolworth building, the tallest building in 1913. He then took us to St. Paul’s Church, where George Washington attended mass while he was president. There is a pew where he sat during services. But, more importantly, St. Paul played an important role during the 9/11 tragedy. Located right across the street from the towers, it became a safe haven for victims. Divine intervention did not damage the church and it now serves as a memorial for people to always remember.
The next church we visited was the oldest church; Trinity. Buried in the cemetery at Trinity church is Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton. It is located on Broadway which at one time used to be used as a trail for Native Americans. It is raised up on a ridge and each side of the street slopes down throughout the city.
We then ventured down to Bowling Green where at one time contained a statue of King George III, until the independence was declared and the Sons of Liberty stormed the center and toppled the statue taking his head off. Some theorists think some parts of the statue was melted down and used as balls for guns during the war. Going towards Wall Street we stopped at Fraunces Tavern. It was at this tavern in 1783 that the likes of George Washington celebrated the victory over the British in the war. What an incredible sight knowing that our fore-fathers were at this same place.
Seeing Wall Street was pretty impressive. Today there is very high security and probably one of the safest places to be. Next to Wall Street was Federal Hall where George Washington the nation’s first president took the oath of office. Seeing all these historical sites is awe inspiring knowing that these people were at one time in the spot where we are standing. That is what is great about this trip you walk one block and a new historical event has taken place.
Today was a very informative day that will help me become a better teacher in the classroom. Sharing all this information with students will give them a greater appreciation for history and hopefully love history.
The day culminated at Carnegie Deli located at 55th and 7th. Dave and I split a Woody Allen Special. The sandwich was a colossal mixture of corn beef and pastrami. They also give you pickles that were very tasteful. The sandwich was so big; the two pieces of bread were obsolete. It was very tasteful and filling. We sat next to a New York gentlemen who has played in a traveling orchestra for over thirty years. He lived right around the corner and invited us to see his home. WE DECLINED….
Carnegie had the bigger sandwiches, but Katz’s had the better taste. Taste is what matter so I will go with Katz’s.