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For views of historic America we often turn to southern towns, our nation's capital and major monuments but, a lot of American history dating back to colonial times can be found right here in New York City. Dating back as far as the early 17th century when Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from Native Americans, New York City has played a large role in American history. To this day, many historic sites exist that provide a wealth of history and pride. Among them are some lesser known sites that are well worth a look. For example:

The Morris-Jumel Mansion
65 Jumel Terrace @160th Street
Closed on certain holidays for information call (212) 923-8008
Wed-Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion picture Built in 1765 by British colonel Roger Morris, this mansion is Manhattan's oldest house. The mansion perched atop a hill and originally surrounded by a 130 acre property, served as his summer home. Following the revolution, the colonel who had remained loyal to the crown was force to leave New York and return to England.

During the war, however, the house because of its location, became a military headquarter and was used by George Washington following the battle of Long Island. He returned later as president accompanied by his cabinet including, future presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams. In 1810, having survived several ownerships, the mansion was purchased by French immigrant Stephen Jumel who added much of the French empire style furniture that is still in place today.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is preserved by a private non-profit organization and is open to the public. Both guided and self guided tours are available. While there, make sure to see Sylvan Terrace a double row of wooden houses, which also date back to the mid 18th century. The Morris-Jumel Mansion, Sylvan Terrace and town houses that line the neighboring streets between 160th and 162nd streets are a historic sight and a hidden jewel in New York City.

Teddy Roosevelt Birthplace
28 East 20th Street
(Between Broadway & Park Avenue South)
New York, NY 10003
Closed on certain holidays for information call (212)-260-1616
Tue-Sat, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Teddy Roosevelt Birthplace picture Theodore Roosevelt, born in 1858, spent the first fourteen years of his life at this location. The original house that stood on this lot was demolished in 1916 just three years prior to his death. By then Roosevelt had gone on to become a statesman, governor of New York, Vice President of the United States and ultimately president following the assassination of McKinley.

In 1919 the site was purchased by a memorial organization for the purpose of continuing his legacy. The house was rebuilt in the style of the original and is furnished with period pieces donated by family members including, many pieces belonging to the original house. Guided tours are available each hour (the last one begins at 4:00 p.m.).

Federal Hall National Memorial
26 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
(212) 825-6888
Currently closed. Scheduled to reopen in September, 2006

Today's Federal Hall is built on land where once stood New York City's 18th century City Hall. From freedom of the press trials, such as the Zenger case to meetings of the stamp act congress, which lobbied against taxation without representation, the building has served as a legislative seat, court room and jail house, and in 1789 was the site of George Washington's inauguration.

The greek revival building that currently stands on this spot was erected in 1842 and served as the US customs house for twenty years. In 1862 the building became the property of the US treasury and was used to store millions of dollars in precious metals within its basement. This system remained in place until the early 1920s.

Designated a national memorial in 1955, Federal Hall is maintained by the Parks Service. Guided tours and a second floor gallery provide a closer look at colonial life and the history of New York City. Although currently closed, Federal Hall's stately exterior including; its statue of George Washington can be viewed in passing.

St. Mark's in the Bowery Church
131 East 10th Street (at 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 674-6377

St. Mark's in the Bowery Church, located in the north end of the East Village, dates back to 1799 and stands on land which once formed part of Peter Stuyvesant's estate. In the mid seventeenth century, Dutch governor Peter Stuyvesant purchased land from the Dutch West India Company to build a farm which in Dutch would be referred to as a Bouwerie. Upon obtaining the land, he added a chapel on the site of the current Church. Nearly 150 years later Stuyvesant's great-grandson donated the land to the Episcopal, church with the stipulation that a new chapel be built. By 1799 the current St. Mark's was completed.

Early on, St. Mark's became a strong force in the community lending both a voice and community space for the support of civil rights and the arts. In fact, in the 50's and 60's it was a gathering place for the black panthers and the war lords. The walls of its performance space echo the words of poets, such as Edna St. Vincent Millay, Carl Sandburg and Kahlil Gibran, reverberate the footsteps of dancers such as, Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham and reflect the messages found in the works of stage and screen legends such as, Sam Sheppard and Andy Warhol.

In addition to Peter Stuyvesant who is buried in the vault under the church,the church grounds are the burial site of such notables as Commodore Perry and New York governor, Daniel Tompkins who is credited with having abolished slavery in New York.

In 1978 a devastating fire destroyed much of the church's interior. Community efforts and a preservation fund which remains in place saw to the complete restoration of the church - a project that was completed in 1983. Now, after more than 200 years, St. Mark's remains an active Episcopal parish dedicated to worship, social advocacy and support of the arts. This broad focus is depicted in the 12 new stain glass windows, which were installed during the restoration process.

Gracie Mansion
East End Avenue (at 88th Street)
New York, NY 10128
(212) 570-0985

Gracie Mansion picture The land on which Gracie Mansion now sits was a Dutch farm dating back to the mid 17th century. The first house built by a British loyalist and, which for a while served as one of George Washington's headquarters, was destroyed in 1776. A wealthy merchant named Archibald Gracie purchased the property and built what is the main section of the current house. This house built along the banks of the East and Harlem Rivers remained his country home up until the time of his death in 1823. Over the next 50-75 years New York City witnessed a growth in urban development. The house and the eleven acres of land around it fell from disuse to near abandonment and by 1896 was seized by the City and used as the first Museum of the City of New York. Years later, then mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, persuaded by environmentalist Robert Moses, formally established it as the official residence of the mayor.

Robert Wagner, the first mayor to live in the mansion added an expansion known until today as the Wagner wing. The Gracie Mansion Conservancy founded by former mayor Ed Koch maintains the house as an historic landmark. Beautifully kept and decorated in period furnishings, the two-story Federal-style mansion is open to the public for viewing. Tours are available by reservation only.

Trinity Church
74 Trinity Place
(corner of Wall St. & Broadway)
New York, NY 10006
(212) 602-0800

Trinity Church picture Built with a grant received from King William III in response to a request from Anglican colonist, Trinity Church stands on Wall Street as one of America's oldest churches. Originally built in 1697, the original church and its successor. which George Washington visited following his inauguration, did not withstand the destructive nature of revolutionary battles and the ravaging storms of 1838. The third structure, an elegant example of gothic architecture, was consecrated in 1846 and still stands today. Its 831 foot spire which once served as a beacon for ships sailing into the harbor is now dwarfed by neighboring skyscrapers.

A noon-time concert series of chamber music is held at 1:00 p.m. each Thursday and at 1:00 p.m. each Monday at neighboring St. Paul's Chapel (Broadway at Fulton Street). For details call (212) 602-0747. Tours of this active church are available Monday through Friday at 2:00 p.m.