East Orange, New Jersey

This statue of George Washington marks the spot where history and art converged. Crafted by Scottish-American sculptor J. Massey Rhind, the equestrian statue portrays General Washington bidding farewell to his…

Get ready to glimpse a bygone era of industrial dominance! This spot was once the beating heart of the Clark Thread Company, the undisputed king of sewing thread worldwide. Construction began here in 1875. The Clark…

Did you know this unassuming corner holds a story of faith, resilience, and community? St. James' A.M.E. Church, originally built in 1850, has been a landmark here for over a century. Designed by architect John Welch,…

Once the tallest building in Newark, the Military Park Building offers a glimpse into the city's architectural past. Designed by Polhemus & Coffin, the Military Park Building was completed in 1926. It stood as the…

Newark, a vibrant city built on a relatively flat landscape only 54 feet above sea level, has always hummed with a particular energy. Established in 1666 and named for Newark-on-Trent, England, its strategic location…

Imagine a time when Black doctors struggled to find places to treat their patients. That's why this spot is so important. Dr. John A. Kenney Sr. founded Kenney Memorial Hospital right here in 1927. It was located at 130…

Did you know this area was once home to the oldest social organization in New Jersey? The Newark Female Charitable Society, later known as the Newark Day Center, was founded by prominent women of Newark in 1803. These…

This spot whispers of early 20th-century grandeur, a time when banks built cathedrals to commerce. Designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the First National State Bank Building rose here in 1912. Gilbert,…

These grounds whisper tales of Newark's earliest settlers and their unwavering faith. The First Presbyterian Church, now known as First Church Newark, has stood here for centuries, witnessing the city's growth and…

Dominating the Newark skyline, this neo-classical skyscraper was once the tallest building in the city. Built in 1931, the National Newark Building, formerly the National Newark and Essex Bank Building, quickly became a…

Ever wonder about the grand estates that once dotted Newark? You're near the former site of Glencoe, also known as the Coe Mansion. Built in 1871, Glencoe was a significant example of late 19th-century architecture in…

Imagine a time when this land was brand new, claimed but not yet tamed. That's the era of the Stone House by the Stone House Brook, one of the oldest buildings still standing in New Jersey. Built before 1680, this house…

Pull over for a second, and picture this: a grand theater, once known as The Mosque, buzzing with music and life. Newark Symphony Hall was built in 1925, quickly becoming a cultural hub. For years, this was home to the…

Imagine the bustling train travel of the early 1900s at this beautifully preserved terminal. This is Lackawanna Terminal, built in 1913. It served as the western end of the Montclair Branch for the Delaware, Lackawanna…

This unassuming building holds a story of ambition, philanthropy, and access to knowledge. In 1904, this structure opened as the Montclair Public Library, funded in part by a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie, a…

Believe it or not, this area was once dominated by varnish! In 1865, Franklin Murphy founded Murphy Varnish Works, which became the largest varnish producer in Newark. Murphy himself went on to become a New Jersey…

Imagine a place dedicated to art, open to everyone, way back when that wasn't the norm. That's the Montclair Art Museum. This museum opened in 1914 as the very first in New Jersey specifically dedicated to art and…

Newark's Ironbound district, named for the railroad tracks that bound it, has been a gateway neighborhood for immigrant communities since the 1830s.

Imagine learning your ABCs in a building that's stood for generations – that's the story of the Church Street School. Built in 1875, this one-room schoolhouse served the children of Nutley for many years. It's a simple…

Ever wonder where commercial aviation really took off in the United States? It was right here at Newark Metropolitan Airport, the nation's first major airport.Opened in 1928, Newark Metropolitan quickly became a hub for…

Imagine relying on horses and hand-pulled equipment to fight fires! That was the reality when the Cliffside Hose Company No. 4 was built. Back in 1901, this firehouse was constructed to protect the northern part of…

Pull over a second, you're passing a real piece of New Jersey history! This is the Woodruff House, built way back in 1735. It’s a tangible link to the lives of early settlers in this area. The Woodruff family were among…

Ever wonder where one of America's only two-time presidents got his start? This unassuming house is it. Stephen Grover Cleveland was born right here in Caldwell on March 18, 1837. His father, Richard Falley Cleveland,…

Step back in time at Liberty Hall, home to New Jersey's first governor and a gathering place for influential figures throughout history. William Livingston, the first governor of New Jersey, built this fourteen-room…

The 22nd and 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, was born in this Caldwell manse on March 18, 1837.

Pull over for a peek into the life of a literary legend: William Carlos Williams. This unassuming house was home to Williams for five decades, a place where he lived, worked as a doctor, and penned some of America's…

Get ready to glimpse a little bit of fairytale magic right here in New Jersey! This is Iviswold, a mansion that looks more like a castle, built back in the late 1800s. Originally constructed in 1869, Iviswold stands as…

Right here, near Scotch Plains and Edison, New Jersey, a small but crucial battle helped save the Continental Army from disaster. In June of 1777, British General Howe marched his troops into central New Jersey, hoping…

You are at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, New Jersey. Yogi Berra played eighteen seasons with the New York Yankees, caught Don Larsen's perfect…

Stand here a moment and imagine the clatter of steam engines and the bustle of passengers eager to reach their destinations. This disused station is a relic of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Built in 1893, this…

Look up! That Art Deco tower piercing the Elizabeth skyline? It's Hersch Tower, a symbol of ambition built during the Great Depression. In 1931, local businessman Louis Hersh commissioned Nathan Myers and Joseph Shanley…

Get ready to be transported back to the roaring twenties! This spot, the Ritz Theatre, was once *the* place to be in Elizabeth. Built in 1926 on the site of an older opera house, the Ritz was designed by architect Fred…

Pull over for a sec – this statue shows a side of Lincoln you don't usually see in history books. It's called 'Lincoln the Mystic' and it makes you wonder what was going on in his head.James Earle Fraser created this…

Elizabeth, New Jersey, owes its existence to geography and a bit of historical luck. Situated on the Arthur Kill, a narrow tidal strait separating New Jersey from Staten Island, it offered a sheltered harbor close to…

Deep-fried hot dogs called rippers since 1928. The Ripper will change your hot dog life forever.

Passaic, New Jersey sits squarely on the Piedmont plateau, a band of ancient, rolling hills that stretches from the Appalachians to the coastal plain. The bedrock here is mostly Precambrian gneiss, some of the oldest…

You're near the Old Bergen Church, a spot that's been a center of faith in this area since before New Jersey was even New Jersey! Back in 1660, when this was still the Dutch colony of New Netherland, settlers…

Prepare to be amazed! This isn't just any building; it's the Loew's Jersey Theatre, a stunning survivor from the golden age of movie palaces. Imagine it's 1929. The Loew's Jersey opens its doors, one of five "Wonder…

Standing here, you're near a hilltop that has witnessed Jersey City's evolution. The Beacon, that impressive complex you see, wasn't always luxury apartments. It began as the Jersey City Medical Center, moving to this…

Get ready to drive past golf history! Baltusrol Golf Club has hosted some of the sport's most memorable moments. Founded in 1895, Baltusrol quickly became a premier golfing destination. Its two courses, both designed by…

Imagine a hidden oasis, a secret world thriving right here in Jersey City. That's Jersey City Reservoir No. 3. Built between 1871 and 1874, this reservoir was a vital part of the city's water system, even supplying…

Pull over for a second and take a look at Saint Michael's Monastery Church. Once the largest Roman Catholic church in Hudson County, it's now a fascinating piece of Union City history. Construction on this impressive…

Step back in time as you approach the Whippany Burying Yard, the oldest cemetery in northwest New Jersey. This isn't just a place of rest; it's a tangible link to the earliest settlers of this region. Dating back to…

Pull over for a sec, because this unassuming church tells a story of early settlers in New Jersey. The Fairfield Dutch Reformed Church congregation was established way back in 1720 by Dutch families who'd made their…

Jersey City owes its name to a small island across the Atlantic. Back in the 17th century, as European settlers were establishing their foothold in North America, this particular patch of land facing Manhattan was…

Frank Sinatra was born at 415 Monroe Street in Hoboken on December 12, 1915, in a cold-water tenement in the Italian immigrant neighborhood.

Imagine a world before modern tunnels—this colossal building once pulsed with the energy that connected New Jersey and New York beneath the Hudson River. Built in 1908 under the direction of William Gibbs McAdoo, the…

This Beaux-Arts train station, Hoboken Terminal, wasn't just a place to catch a train; it was a gateway to America for millions. Built in 1907 by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, this terminal quickly…

Founded way back in 1660, this spot has been a center of community on Staten Island for centuries. It's more than just a building; it's a living timeline. This Reformed Church's story really starts with the early Dutch…

Ever wonder where cities get their water? Right here is a key piece of that story for northern New Jersey. This is the Hackensack Water Company Complex, a reminder of how vital water supply is to urban development. The…

For over a century, everyone assumed Ellis Island was in New York. It appeared on New York maps, New York politicians claimed it, and twelve million immigrants who passed through between 1892 and 1954 were told they had…

In 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that most of Ellis Island's landmass belongs to New Jersey, not New York.

From 1902 to 1951, the hospital on Ellis Island was the first stop for many immigrants, a place where hope mingled with the very real fear of being turned away. Over a half-century, the U.S. Public Health Service…

Imagine: for countless immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, this is the first piece of American soil they ever touched. This is the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, completed in 1889. It replaced an earlier…

Pull over for a second – this unassuming fieldstone house has a surprisingly rebellious past. Built around 1722, it started as a simple one-room cottage. Fast forward to the American Revolution. This quiet house became…

From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island in New York Harbor.

Look to your right – that's Lady Liberty! She hasn't always been there, you know. She was a gift from France to the United States, dedicated in 1886. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was intended to…

Look to your right! That's Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, a beacon of hope for generations of immigrants. Originally known as Bedloe's Island, it wasn't until 1956 that the United States Congress…

Look to your right! That giant green lady isn't just a statue; she's a beacon of hope that has greeted millions arriving in America. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.…

Give me your tired your poor. 305 feet of copper freedom since 1886.

Imagine a safe harbor for sailors, built with a pirate's fortune! That's Sailors' Snug Harbor. Captain Robert Richard Randall, a privateer's son, left his estate in 1801 to build a home for aged, decrepit, and worn-out…

This floating lighthouse spent decades warning ships away from treacherous shoals off the coast of North Carolina, and now it's right here in Manhattan. The Frying Pan lightship, designated LV-115, was built in 1929.…

See that ship? It's not just any vessel; it's the USCGC Lilac, America's only surviving steam-powered buoy tender! She's a floating piece of maritime history, right here in New York City. Built in 1933 in Delaware, the…

Feel the spray – this is the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a natural powerhouse that birthed a city! In 1791, Alexander Hamilton chose this very spot to establish Paterson, one of America's first planned industrial…

Ever wonder where George Washington planned some of his most important moves during the Revolutionary War? It was right here at the Dey Mansion. Colonel Theunis Dey built this impressive home in the 1770s. It became…

Alexander Hamilton stood at these falls in 1778 during a picnic with George Washington and saw something beyond the scenery — he saw industrial power. The Great Falls of the Passaic River drop seventy-seven feet, making…

See that building complex on West Street? That was Bell Telephone Laboratories, a place that changed the world. From 1898 to 1966, this was where Bell Labs conducted groundbreaking research. Think of it as a technology…

Paterson, New Jersey, a city forged in industry and resilience, owes its name to a prominent figure of the early republic: William Paterson. He was the governor of New Jersey, a signer of the Constitution, and an…

Believe it or not, this trendy spot used to be dominated by actual meatpacking plants. Starting in the mid-1800s, slaughterhouses and meatpacking businesses began to concentrate here, drawn by the access to the Hudson…

Cruising through New York Harbor, you're seeing more than just the skyline; you're sailing past a piece of living history: the Shearwater schooner. Built in 1929 in Maine, this elegant wooden schooner was designed by…

If houses could talk, this one would whisper tales of Staten Island's evolution. The Scott-Edwards House, right here in West New Brighton, is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, a visual timeline frozen in…

Right over there, you can see a piece of history that never actually made it to space: the Space Shuttle Enterprise. It was the first orbiter ever built, rolled out in 1976. It was constructed without engines or a…

The Twin Towers stood here for twenty-eight years. They came down in one hundred and two minutes. On the morning of September 11, 2001, two hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center's North and South Towers. The…

You're looking at a true survivor: the USS Intrepid. This aircraft carrier braved brutal battles in World War II and even plucked astronauts from the sea. Commissioned in 1943, the Intrepid saw intense action in the…

The North Tower stood as a symbol of American ambition before its tragic destruction on 9/11. It was part of the original World Trade Center complex in New York City. Topped out in 1970 and completed in 1972, the North…

Ever wonder how a little corner of Manhattan became synonymous with art and cool? That's Chelsea. Back in the mid-1800s, this area was largely farmland and industrial waterfront. A key figure, Clement Clarke Moore,…

Check out that incredible building! The Barclay-Vesey Building is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture that remarkably survived the devastation of 9/11. Built between 1923 and 1927, it served as the headquarters…

Imagine the clatter of printing presses and the frantic energy of reporters chasing a deadline – this spot was once the heart of the New York Evening Post. In 1926, the New York Evening Post moved into this impressive…

Even miles away, the echoes of September 11th, 2001, resonate. That day, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were tragically lost in a devastating act of terrorism at the World Trade Center in New York City. On that clear…

Get ready to soak in some serious artistic vibes! Greenwich Village isn't just another New York neighborhood; it's a legendary incubator of creativity and counterculture. During the early to mid-1900s, the Village…

Imagine arriving in America for the very first time – that's Castle Clinton's story. Built between 1808 and 1811 as a defense fort, it later became Castle Garden, New York's first official immigration station. From 1855…

Located across from Ground Zero, this firehouse embodies the courage and sacrifice of the FDNY on 9/11. Engine Company 10 and Ladder Company 10, known as the Ten House, was the first to respond to the World Trade Center…

Step back in time to when fortunes were made and lost – sometimes in a single day – at the former headquarters of the American Stock Exchange. Before this building was erected in 1921, traders, often called curb…

Imagine Wall Street dominated by a church steeple, not skyscrapers. That was Trinity Church! The Trinity Church you see today was actually completed in 1846. It was designed by architect Richard Upjohn in the Gothic…

You're looking at the oldest park in New York City, Bowling Green, but its story is much bigger than its small size! Back in 1770, this was a popular spot, complete with a bowling green, of course. But more importantly,…

Ever wonder where all the goods coming into New York City were processed? Right here at Bowling Green, in the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. Construction on this Beaux-Arts masterpiece began in 1902 and wrapped…

Ever wonder where the fire of second-wave feminism burned brightest in New York City? It was right here, at the Women's Liberation Center. From 1972 to 1987, this building, also known as the Women's Firehouse, served as…

Ever wonder how transatlantic travel shaped the world? This spot, 1 Broadway, played a vital role. Built in 1882 as the Washington Building, it was acquired in 1919 by the International Mercantile Marine Company, or…

Check out that building! It's 65 Broadway, and it screams early 20th-century financial power. American Express had been at this very spot since 1874, and they bought the land in 1903. They then commissioned this…

Ever wonder what early 19th-century New York City really looked like? You're driving through it right now! This little pocket, the Charlton–King–Vandam Historic District, is a time capsule of Federal and Greek Revival…

Ever notice that grand, old building on West Broadway? It's more than just brick and mortar; it's a monument to industry and a symbol of artistic resistance. Originally built in 1896 as the Wool Exchange, it was quickly…

This bridge isn't just steel and concrete; it's a survivor, a testament to Paterson's resilience in the face of nature's fury. The Arch Street Bridge you see here was built in 1907 after floods wiped out the previous…

This unassuming chapel holds a powerful secret: it miraculously survived the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Built in 1766, St. Paul's Chapel is Manhattan's oldest surviving church building. On September…

Feel the energy of global finance swirling around you – this is the New York Stock Exchange. For over two centuries, this location has been synonymous with wealth, risk, and the ever-changing fortunes of companies…

Imagine standing where George Washington himself stood, taking the oath of office! This very spot marks the location of Federal Hall, the first capitol building of the United States under the Constitution. From 1789 to…

New York's story is one of constant transformation, beginning with a Dutch trading post on Manhattan Island around 1624. It was named New Amsterdam in 1626 and became a city in 1653. English control came in 1664, and…

Once the tallest building in the world, the Woolworth Building's ornate gothic architecture still inspires awe. Built for retail magnate F.W. Woolworth, the skyscraper officially opened in 1913. It quickly became known…

This stunning Victorian Gothic building was once a courthouse notorious for its colorful characters and high conviction rate. Built between 1874 and 1877, the Jefferson Market Courthouse, designed by Frederick Clarke…

The COVID-19 pandemic hit New York City with brutal force, exposing existing inequalities and reshaping the city's landscape. The virus preyed on densely populated areas, particularly in the outer boroughs, where many…

Imagine the secrets held within the walls of the building where American currency was once printed. The American Bank Note Company Building, located at 70 Broad Street, was built in 1908. It served as the headquarters…

Here at 40 Wall Street, you're looking at a former champion. For a brief time in 1930, this skyscraper held the title of the world's tallest building. Built as the headquarters for the Manhattan Company, later the Bank…

Check out that stately building at the corner of Wall and Broad. See those pockmarks on the facade? Those are scars from a bombing that rocked the financial world back in 1920. On September 16th, a horse-drawn wagon…

This historic bank building stands as a reminder of the financial power that once shaped Lower Manhattan. Built in 1928 for Lee, Higginson & Company, a prominent investment bank, this building at 41 Broad Street…

Ever wonder where New York City’s financial district really took shape? You’re driving through it right now! This is the Fulton-Nassau Historic District, a ten-block area packed with architectural history. In the late…

Pause for a moment to consider the ground beneath you. This seemingly ordinary spot in Lower Manhattan holds the remains of thousands of Africans and African-Americans from the 1600s and 1700s, a stark reminder of…

Look around you – this opulent building is a monument to corruption. The Tweed Courthouse, built in the late 1800s, became synonymous with political excess. William “Boss” Tweed, the head of Tammany Hall, used his…

Pull over here! This unassuming building, Fraunces Tavern, witnessed a pivotal moment in American history. In 1783, after the Revolutionary War, General George Washington gathered his officers here for a tearful…

Before gleaming skyscrapers defined the New York skyline, this unassuming building at 41 Park Row was the heart of American news. From 1889 to 1903, this was the headquarters of The New York Times. Publisher Adolph Ochs…

Ever wonder where all the money is? You're passing it. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, completed in 1924, is one of the most important financial institutions in the world. Designed to resemble an Italian…

Behold 55 Wall Street, once the very heart of American financial ambition. Originally built in the 1840s as the Merchants' Exchange, this Greek Revival building was later transformed into the home of the National City…

Once one of the tallest buildings in the world, this skyscraper reflects the ambition of the roaring twenties. This is 20 Exchange Place, completed in 1931. It was originally called the City Bank–Farmers Trust Building,…

This building survived a devastating fire in 1883 thanks to its innovative fireproofing, a marvel of its time. The Potter Building, standing tall on Park Row, was built between 1883 and 1886. Its designer, Norris G.…

Check out the Surrogate's Courthouse – it's more than just a pretty facade; it’s where the city's most important records have been kept safe for over a century. The Surrogate's Courthouse was completed in 1907. Designed…

You're near a place that sparked a religious movement across a continent: John Street Church. A small group of early Methodists began meeting in 1766 right here in New York City. They called themselves the Wesleyan…

Check out that ornate building! It's a prime example of 19th-century commercial architecture in Tribeca. Built between 1881 and 1882, this is the Cast Iron House, formerly known as the James White Building. W. Wheeler…

This unassuming island played a vital role in defending New York City for centuries. Castle Williams and Fort Jay, the two fortifications you can still see today, were initially built to protect the city from naval…

Right here, in this unassuming building, Margaret Sanger challenged societal norms and ignited a national debate about women's health. From 1930 to 1973, this address housed the Clinical Research Bureau, where Sanger…

Peeking out from behind Lady Liberty, Governors Island has been a silent witness to centuries of New York history. For almost 200 years, starting in the late 1700s, the island served as a U.S. Army base. Fort Jay, one…

Prepare to be amazed by SoHo, where cast-iron architecture whispers tales of artists and transformation. This neighborhood, south of Houston Street, wasn't always the upscale haven it is today. In the 1960s, urban…

You're approaching Fort Jay, the oldest defensive structure in New York Harbor. Imagine a crucial defense point protecting New York City from naval attacks for over two centuries. Originally built in 1794, this fort was…

Marvel at the McGraw-Hill Building, a striking example of Art Deco architecture in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. This wasn't just an office building; it was a statement about the future of design. The McGraw-Hill…

Right here on West 12th Street stands a house that once belonged to a complicated hero: General Winfield Scott. He was already a big deal, but the Mexican-American War cemented his place in history. Scott led the U.S.…

Stand here and you're standing at the foot of a monument to early skyscrapers, and the insurance industry that made them possible. 116 John Street was completed in 1931, during the height of Art Deco design and just…

Imagine being a firefighter rushing out of a French chateau to battle a blaze! That's the feeling this building evokes. This is the former Firehouse, Engine Company 31, built in 1895. The architects, Napoleon LeBrun &…

This unassuming building witnessed a tragedy that forever changed labor laws in America. On March 25th, 1911, a fire ripped through the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, which occupied the top three floors of this building.…

Imagine some of the greatest minds of the last two centuries passing through this very spot. The Hotel Albert, once located here in Greenwich Village, was a magnet for artists, writers, and bohemians. From the late…

This unassuming house on Governors Island has witnessed centuries of New York history, quietly observing events that shaped the city and the nation. It's more than just a building; it's a silent witness to power and…

Ever wonder what happens when faith and theater collide? The Actors' Temple is where it all comes together. Founded in 1917 by a group of actors, including some prominent Yiddish theater performers, the temple offered a…

Ever wonder where your clothes come from? Well, for much of the 20th century, a good chance they came from right here. This is the Garment District, and back in the day, it was the beating heart of American fashion…

Feast your eyes! You're looking at a little piece of Chicago right here in New York City. This is the Bayard-Condict Building, the only building in the city designed by the legendary architect Louis Sullivan. Built…

Imagine this: New York City, on the cusp of becoming a global powerhouse, fueled by ships unloading goods from around the world. This block, known as Schermerhorn Row, was right in the thick of it. Built in 1811 and…

Imagine being a cop in old New York, walking through these very streets! This imposing building at 240 Centre Street was once the headquarters of the NYPD, from 1909 to 1973. Designed by Hoppin & Koen, it housed…

Pull over and step back in time! This is the Merchants and Drovers Tavern, a spot that's seen centuries of travelers pass through. Built in phases around 1795 and 1818, it first opened its doors as an inn around 1798.…

Gennaro Lombardi opened America's first licensed pizzeria on Spring Street in Manhattan in 1905. The coal-fired oven produces a charred, blistered crust that set the template for New York-style pizza. Every pizza…

Walk down West 28th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue and you're standing where American popular music was manufactured like a product. Starting in the 1880s, music publishers packed into these brownstones, each…

Right over there, bobbing gently, is a survivor from a bygone era of global trade: the Wavertree. Built in 1885 in Liverpool, England, this iron-hulled sailing ship spent her early years carrying jute between India and…

Get ready to crane your neck, because you're about to see a building that once sparked a citywide debate: the Flatiron Building! Back in 1902, the Fuller Company, a major construction firm, decided they needed a…

Imagine New York City as a bustling port, a gateway to the world. That's the story of the South Street Seaport. In the 19th century, this area was one of the busiest trading ports in America. Ships from all over the…

Before the towering cathedral uptown, this unassuming building was the heart of New York's Catholic community, a community facing intense prejudice. This is St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Construction began in 1809, led…

You're approaching Union Square, a place that's been a stage for American history since the mid-1800s. Originally designated as a public space in 1815, Union Square truly came into its own with the arrival of the New…

Get ready to shop 'til you drop at what was once deemed the 'world's largest store,' Macy's Herald Square! It's been a New York City icon for over a century. This retail behemoth first opened its doors in 1902, a…

Before GPS, this wasn't just water; it was a navigational gauntlet, relying on heroes of the sea and floating beacons of light.The Lightship Ambrose, designated LV-87, began its service guiding ships through the Ambrose…

Savor the flavors of Little Italy, once a bustling Italian American neighborhood, and experience its rich culinary heritage. Starting in the mid-1800s, Italian immigrants began arriving in New York City, many settling…

Bet you didn't know that right beneath you, an engineering marvel has been shuttling New Yorkers for over a century! Back in 1908, they finished building the Joralemon Street Tunnel, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.…

This little tugboat, the W. O. Decker, is a survivor, a floating piece of New York history right here in Manhattan. Built in 1930 in Long Island City, she started life as the Russell I, working for the Newtown Creek…

This unassuming brick building on Governors Island has silently witnessed centuries of New York Harbor history. Originally built as the Post Hospital in 1839, this structure, known as the Block House or Building 9,…

This unassuming building on Mott Street tells a powerful story of helping New York City's neediest children. Back in the late 1880s, the Children's Aid Society built this school, then called the Fourteenth Ward…

Imagine stepping back in time to the elegance of early 20th-century Staten Island. Casa Belvedere stands as a testament to Italian culture and refined architecture. Built in 1908, this mansion, originally the Louis A.…

Check out that impressive building! It was once home to the Bank of the Metropolis, a significant financial institution during New York City's rapid growth. The Bank of the Metropolis was founded in 1871. It operated in…

The narrow storefront at 315 Bowery was CBGB, the grimy club where American punk and new wave were essentially born. Hilly Kristal opened it in December 1973, and the name is one of music's great ironies: CBGB & OMFUG…

Ever wonder where punk rock took root in America? You're practically standing on it. This unassuming spot on the Bowery was once CBGB, a legendary music club. In 1973, Hilly Kristal opened CBGB, hoping for country,…

The name stood for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues, and almost none of that was ever played here. Hilly Kristal opened CBGB at 315 Bowery in December 1973, and within two years it became the filthy, sticker-covered…

Pull over for a minute, you've gotta hear this. This neighborhood is more than just amazing food; it's a testament to resilience and community. The story of Manhattan's Chinatown began in the mid-1800s, with Chinese…

Where punk was born. The Ramones Blondie and Talking Heads all started here. Now a John Varvatos store.

Imagine owning the same plot of land for over 300 years! That's the story of Garretson Forge and Farm. The Garretson family has continuously owned this farm in Fair Lawn, New Jersey since 1719. The Peter Garretson…

Dating back to the late 1780s, this is one of the oldest surviving houses in Manhattan's Chinatown. It's the Edward Mooney House, right here at 18 Bowery. Edward Mooney, a wealthy butcher, built this house between 1785…

Pull over for a second! Right here at Cooper Union, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech that changed the course of American history. It was 1860, and Lincoln was a relatively unknown lawyer from Illinois. He was invited…

Right here on Oliver Street stood the home of a true New York legend: Alfred E. Smith. This wasn't just a house; it was the launchpad for a political career that reshaped the state and influenced the nation. Smith, a…

Before you, rising high above the city, stands the Met Life Tower, once the tallest building in the entire world. Built between 1905 and 1909, this architectural marvel was designed by Napoleon LeBrun & Sons, drawing…

Pull over here for a second – this is St. James Roman Catholic Church, the second oldest Catholic church in New York City, and it’s seen a lot of history. Built between 1835 and 1837, St. James was constructed from…

This unassuming building has seen more than its fair share of New York history, once serving as a hub for soldiers heading off to war. Originally known as the Occidental Hotel, and later the Pioneer, this building at…

Check out that vintage engine! This preserved locomotive tells a story of how railroads modernized during World War II. The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad, or NYS&W, needed to replace its steam engines with…

Imagine a world powered by steam, where trains were vital to national defense. That's the story of U.S. Army 4039, a locomotive built right here in 1942 for World War II. ALCO, the American Locomotive Company, churned…

McSorley's has been pouring in the East Village since 1854, making it New York City's oldest bar. Abraham Lincoln drank here. Woody Guthrie drank here. The menu is light ale or dark ale — that's it. Sawdust covers the…

Standing here, you're near a silent sentinel of the sea, the USS Ling, a World War II submarine. She was built as part of the Balao class, designed to hunt enemy ships in the Pacific. Construction finished late in 1945,…

Look up! You're near an icon, the Empire State Building, once the tallest building in the world. Construction began in 1930, during the Great Depression. It was a race against the Chrysler Building to claim the title of…

This unassuming house played a pivotal role in the fight for workers' rights in America. In 1913, the city of Paterson, New Jersey, was the site of a massive silk workers' strike. Facing hardship and lacking a central…

Ever imagine picnicking where public executions once took place? That's Bryant Park! Before it was a green haven, this land served as a potter's field, a burial ground for the city's unclaimed. Then, from 1847 to 1848,…

Prepare to be amazed – you're approaching a stage where voices have echoed and shaped American thought for over a century: The Town Hall. From 1919 to 1921, the League for Political Education built this Georgian Revival…

Step back in time to the home of a man who almost became president! This is the Samuel J. Tilden House, where a pivotal figure in American politics spent much of his life. Samuel J. Tilden, a former New York governor,…

Imagine stepping back in time to the late 19th century, where a wave of Jewish immigrants sought refuge and opportunity in New York City. The Eldridge Street Synagogue stands as a breathtaking reminder of their dreams…

Imagine rubbing elbows with acting royalty; this building is where it happened. In 1888, the celebrated Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth bought this mansion on Gramercy Park. He transformed most of it into a private…

Here in Red Hook, docked at The Waterfront Museum, floats a survivor from New York's bustling harbor days: Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge No. 79. Built in 1914 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, this barge was part of the Lehigh…

Ever wonder what it was like to be a well-to-do New Yorker during the Gilded Age? This hotel is a little peek into that world. The Hotel Gerard, built in 1893, offered luxury accommodations near Times Square. Designed…

Pull over here and picture this: weary travelers in the 1700s, kicking up dust on the road, drawn to the promise of rest and refreshment at John Dods' Tavern. This wasn't just a place for a drink; it was a vital stop on…

This century-old water tank stands as a reminder of the vital role railroads played in the industrial development of northern New Jersey. Back in 1904, the Morristown and Erie Railroad built this water tank right here…

Imagine stepping back in time to a crammed tenement building, where thousands of immigrants once started new lives. The Tenement Museum at 97 and 103 Orchard Street tells their stories. Between 1863 and 1935, 97 Orchard…

Daredevils once walked the cables during construction of this iconic bridge, which was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened. Proposals for a bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn were first made…

The Brooklyn Bridge killed the man who designed it and crippled the man who built it. John Augustus Roebling conceived the bridge in 1867 and died of tetanus in 1869 after a ferry piling crushed his foot during site…

Imagine a building so grand, it once had its own farm on the roof! That's The Ansonia, right here on the Upper West Side. Built between 1899 and 1903 by William Earle Dodge Stokes, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was…

Behold! You're nearing the New York Public Library's Main Branch, a beacon of knowledge guarded by its iconic lion statues, Patience and Fortitude. Construction on this Beaux-Arts masterpiece began in 1897, after…

Get ready to have your artistic sensibilities shaken! This seemingly unassuming armory was the site of an earthquake that changed the art world forever. It was here, at the 69th Regiment Armory in 1913, that the…

This churchyard is the final resting place of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Director-General of New Netherland. Stuyvesant governed the colony from 1647 until 1664, when he surrendered it to the English. He retired…

Prepare to be transported back to the Gilded Age! The Dorilton, a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture, whispers tales of opulence and ambition.Built between 1900 and 1902, this grand building was commissioned by…

Imagine standing where legends have stood – Carnegie Hall, a name synonymous with musical greatness. It all started with Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate, who envisioned a world-class concert hall in New York City.…

More Nobel Prizes have come out of this suburban New Jersey campus than most countries have produced in their entire history. Bell Labs moved to Murray Hill in 1941, and over the following decades it became arguably the…

I'll have what she's having. NYC's legendary pastrami since 1888.

White Manna in Hackensack, New Jersey started as a building at the 1939 World's Fair. After the fair, it was moved to River Street and has been griddling sliders ever since. The tiny burgers — smashed thin on a flattop…