Hamilton’s New York City: A One-Day Itinerary

Fraunces Tavern: Hamilton’s Meeting Point

This tavern-turned-museum was once a central meeting point for revolutionary types (read: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr) They actually attended a dinner here a week before their legendary duel.  Explore the museum and walk in the footsteps of our history before going to the tavern for lunch and a beer. The food is delicious and decently priced for New York.

57 Maiden Lane: The Room Where It Happened

This is THE “room where it happened”. Jefferson rented a house at 57 Maiden Lane. One night, Jefferson held a dinner party with Treasury Secretary Hamilton and James Madison (as well as other guests) which changed where the American capital would be. The capital was moved from New York City to Philadelphia for ten years before moving to the Potomac.

Federal Hall

There were actually two historic buildings located at 26 Wall Street in the financial district. The first building was the meeting place for the Congress of the Confederation (the United States’ first Central government). It was named Federal Hall in 1789 when our federal government was established. It is also where George Washington was sworn in as president. The original building was demolished in 1812 and the current one was built in 1842. The second building was the Customs House & Treasury Building. Now it is a National Memorial for our nation’s past. There is a statue of George Washington outside to commemorate his inauguration. This is one of the best places where you can literally walk through history in Hamilton’s New York City

Hamilton Grange: It’s Quiet Uptown

A visit to Hamilton’s New York City home is a must.  While he only lived in it for two years (it was built in 1802) Hamilton often mentioned wanting to live in a home filled with his children – this was his vision. Originally, the house sat on a 30-acre estate near 143rd and Convent Avenue. In 2008, it was moved to a more pastoral location in St. Nicholas Park. Guided tours of the second floor run every hour. You can walk through the first floor on your own to get a glimpse into the personal life of Alexander Hamilton. There is also a small gift shop, so your nerd can come out!  

Check the museum website for hours and events.

Bayard House & 82 Jane Street (kinda)

A plaque at 82 Jane Street marks the spot where Hamilton lay mortally wounded. The house in Greenwich Village was built in 1886. The house that belonged to his friend William Bayard was on the north side of Jane Street, close to Horatio Street, which wasn’t mapped until 1817. So, it’s hard to figure out EXACTLY where he was due to the passage of time, but the plaque gives us a place to remember him. 

Trinity Church

Alexander Hamilton was buried at Trinity Church and his grave is well marked. Philip and Eliza are also buried next to him. The inscription on Alexander’s grave reads “the PATRIOT of incorruptible INTEGRITY.”  Angelica Schuyler Church is buried on the other side of the church as well. (Musical Quote: Hercules Mulligan is also buried at Trinity Church. Take a few quiet minutes and reflect back on the hard work of the people who created the country we know and love today.

Richard Rodgers Theatre

While this one has nothing to do with Alexander Hamilton’s life, I feel like it has to be a stop on any tour. Rodgers’ theatre should definitely be a stop on your Hamilton Tour of New York, even if you’re not seeing it live. The musical made history by revolutionizing Broadway as we know it. From the cast to the lyrics, to set design and choreography, Hamilton brought Broadway back to the front of people’s minds. Below is Lin-Manuel Miranda reading the first pages of Ron Chernow’s book on opening night (August 6th, 2015). You can tell from the way he chokes up while reading this that it’s his passion.

Bonus: Weehawken Dueling Grounds at Hamilton Park

While not in New York City, it’s a quick trip over the river to the famous dueling grounds in Weehawken. This is the location for the infamous duel of Hamilton and Burr, but also Philip Hamilton’s duel three years earlier. While the grounds are covered by train tracks, there is a monument you can visit, a bust of Hamilton, and the Rock of Death.  The rock is supposedly where Hamilton rested before being rowed back across the Hudson.

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