Ten Hidden Historical Landmarks in New York City
August 19 2024
On the surface New York, especially Manhattan, is a modern and bustling city—home to some of the world’s tallest buildings. However, behind the skyscrapers and bustling streets, New York (probably) has more history than any other city in the USA. If you’re looking to explore a different side to the Big Apple, or you’re interested in learning more about the history of the city, here are some hidden historical landmarks that you might otherwise miss.
Morris-Jumel Mansion
The Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in New York. Located in Washington Heights the house has been preserved and turned into a museum. If you want to see a side of New York that you have never seen before, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is a great place to start!
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor was built in the 19th-century as a retirement home for sailors in the city, and has since been preserved as a cultural center and museum. As the largest seaport in the USA, the New York Harbor has a rich and vibrant history, and shaped the way New York grew over the years. To learn more about how the harbor transformed the USA, head down to Snug Harbor.
The Loew’s Jersey Theatre
In the age of streaming, heading to the movies has become somewhat a thing of the past all over the USA, however for real movie lovers there is something special about seeing a film on the big screen for the first time. Loew’s Jersey Theatre is a movie palace that opened in 1929 and still hosts classic movie screenings today. For a “blast from the past” head down to the vintage cinema and enjoy a classic film.
The Cloisters
New York might not be the first place you think of when it comes to medieval European art—but hidden away in Fort Tryon Park you can find quite the collection. The tranquil park is the perfect escape from the busy city, offering great views over the Hudson River, and is home to the Cloisters—where you can see some of the best examples of medieval art in the country.
The Old Stone House
During the American Civil Revolution, the Battle of Long Island was a pivotal point in the war, and the Old Stone House played a key role. The house has since been reconstructed and now serves as a museum—a great day out for those of you interested in the American Civil Revolution.
City Hall Subway Station
While City Hall Subway Station has been closed since 1945, if you’re lucky you can still catch a glimpse of the station when it opens for special tours. The station is often considered to be the most beautiful subway station in the city—complete with the original tiling, stained glass skylights, and the famous curved railway track.
Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern is a historical restaurant located near Wall Street—however it’s much more than just a restaurant. The tavern is a historical landmark where George Washington famously said goodbye to his troops. There is now a museum located at the site, where you can learn more about American History and the Revolutionary War.
The Portal Down to Old New York
Located in Lower Manhattan you can find examples of 17th century New York. An archeological dig in the city undercovered preserved structures from old New York—in fact, they are some of the only physical relics from the old Dutch colony. The structures are preserved under glass on the sidewalk, with many New Yorkers walking past every day without ever noticing the colonial City Hall under their feet.
Stone Street
Tucked away in the Financial District you can find Stone Street which dates back to the 17th century. The aptly named road was the first street in New York to be paved. The street is now lined with bars and restaurants—the perfect place to sit back with a cold beer and soak up the history of the area.
The Little Red Lighthouse
Located under the George Washington Bridge, the famous Little Red Lighthouse has stood for almost a century. Despite being a small lighthouse, it is now a beloved local landmark—made famous by the children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.
Are you looking for somewhere to stay on your next visit to New York City? The Hotel Beacon is located in the heart of the Upper West Side, close to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Learn more about our apartment-style suites here.
