Teterboro, New Jersey

These historic halls on the Barnard College campus represent the evolution of women's education in New York City. Milbank, Brinckerhoff, and Fiske Halls, collectively known as Milbank Hall, were designed by Charles A.…

Stand here and you're gazing at more than just the Hudson River; you're looking at a tribute to unity forged in the fires of division. This is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, a memorial to the Union soldiers and…

Feast your eyes on Low Memorial Library, once the beating heart of Columbia University. It's more than just a pretty building; it's a monument to family and academic ambition. Back in the 1890s, Columbia President Seth…

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 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…

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…

Ever wonder where you can find El Greco masterpieces and ancient Iberian artifacts without leaving Manhattan? That's right here at the Hispanic Society of America. Founded in 1904 by Archer M. Huntington, a passionate…

Imagine a little slice of Spain transported to Upper Manhattan! That's Audubon Terrace, a Beaux-Arts beauty that once housed a treasure trove of Hispanic art and culture. Archer Milton Huntington, a philanthropist and…

Stroll through this preserved neighborhood and imagine life in early 20th-century New York City. This quiet corner of Washington Heights whispers tales of a time when uptown Manhattan was transitioning from rural…

Built in 1707, this house offers a glimpse into early colonial life in New Jersey. The Terhune–Gardner–Lindenmeyr House, located right here in Paramus, was built way back in 1707. Over the years, it was home to families…

This building stands as a testament to a pioneering African American architect who left his mark on Harlem. The Ivey Delph Apartments, completed in 1951, were designed by Vertner Woodson Tandy, a prominent figure who…

Imagine inviting George Washington over for dinner at *your* house. This is that house for Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, commissioned this Federal style home, called “The Grange,” in…

Look out your window at this architectural marvel! The Belnord isn't just a building; it's a testament to a bygone era of grand living on the Upper West Side. Built between 1908 and 1909, this colossal Italian…

Imagine a Manhattan escape, a place where you can breathe and gaze out at the Hudson River. That's Hudson View Gardens. Built between 1923 and 1925, this cooperative apartment complex offered affordable urban housing to…

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…

Stand where American soldiers made a desperate stand against British forces during the Revolutionary War. Fort Washington, built in 1776, was intended to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River. On…

Feel the rhythm! This unassuming apartment building at 935 St. Nicholas Avenue was once home to Duke Ellington, one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. From 1939 to 1961, Ellington lived in apartment 4A. Here,…

Step back in time to the Jumel Terrace Historic District, where whispers of revolution and high society still echo. The heart of this district is the Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's oldest house, dating back to around…

Feast your eyes on The Apthorp, a building that whispers tales of old New York luxury. Back in the early 1900s, William Waldorf Astor, of the famous Astor family, decided to build a grand apartment building here. He…

This unassuming building holds a vital secret: it helped power the subway system that shaped modern New York City. Built in 1932 by the Independent Subway System, this is Substation 219, also known as the Harlem…

The Apollo Theater at 253 West 125th Street has been the most important venue for Black performers in America since 1934.

The history of jazz changed forever within these walls. Minton's Playhouse became the hottest spot in Harlem for a new kind of music. In 1938, tenor saxophonist Henry Minton opened this club. During the early 1940s,…

Amateur Night launched Ella James Brown and a young Michael Jackson. Harlem's crown jewel.

Pull over for a minute! You're about to discover the oldest house still standing in Manhattan, the Morris–Jumel Mansion. It's not just old; it played a key role in the Revolutionary War. British officer Roger Morris…

Take a look around – this spot was once at the forefront of cancer treatment in the United States. The New York Cancer Hospital, established in 1884, was the first hospital in the US dedicated solely to treating cancer…

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…

Pull over for a second; this isn't just another library, it's a landmark of Harlem's intellectual and architectural history. This is the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Branch of the New York Public Library. Designed by…

Imagine the sounds of jazz and early musical theater echoing from this very spot! This is the Will Marion Cook House, home to a musical giant. Will Marion Cook, born in 1869, was a prominent African American composer,…

Believe it or not, that unassuming structure played a vital role in bringing clean water to a growing region. Back in 1881, the Hackensack Water Company purchased this site, then just an island in the Hackensack River,…

Lenox Avenue in Harlem was the cultural epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance, the flowering of African American art, literature, and music in the 1920s and 1930s.

Imagine stumbling upon fragments of medieval Europe, transported piece by piece to upper Manhattan. That's essentially what The Cloisters is. In the early 1900s, American sculptor George Grey Barnard traveled through…

These aren't just apartments; they're a symbol of hope and opportunity during the Harlem Renaissance. Back in the 1920s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. funded the construction of the Dunbar Apartments to provide quality…

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…

Pull over here for a second; this spot tells a story of hope and change during a difficult time. The Harlem River Houses, right here, were one of the first federally funded public housing projects in New York City. They…

Right here in Harlem stands a beacon of Black history and culture. This is the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a world-renowned archive and research library. Its roots trace back to Arturo Alfonso…

Prepare to be amazed! This spot is home to the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest and most influential natural history museums in the world. The AMNH's story began in 1869, championed by Dr. Albert…

Sylvia Woods opened her soul food restaurant on Lenox Avenue in Harlem in 1962 with a small loan and big ambition. She became known as the Queen of Soul Food, serving smothered chicken, collard greens, and candied yams…

Pull over here for a second; this neighborhood has some amazing stories to tell! We're near the Mount Morris Park Historic District, a beautiful section of Harlem that really blossomed in the late 19th century. This…

Ever feel like you've stepped back in time? That's the feeling you get cruising Central Park West. This isn't just a street; it's a carefully curated museum of architecture. Between 1880 and the 1930s, the Upper West…

Ever wished your town was designed to make life easier, especially with cars? You're near Radburn, New Jersey, a planned community from 1929 that tried to do just that. Radburn's planners, Clarence Stein and Henry…

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…

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…

Right here, at the Dakota, one of the world's most beloved musicians lost his life. On December 8 12 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed right outside this building as he returned home with Yoko Ono. Mark David…

Ever wonder where New York City keeps its memories? You're near the New-York Historical Society, founded in 1804, making it the city's first museum. For over two centuries, the Society has collected and preserved…

Look up! Those twin towers aren't just for show; they mark The San Remo, a building that's housed more than its fair share of celebrities and artists.Construction on this architectural gem began in 1929, right before…

This unassuming spot was once Tenafly's vital link to the world, a bustling train station connecting this quiet town to the heart of New York City. For decades, the Erie Railroad's Northern Branch chugged through here,…

Pull over here for a second – this armory honors the legendary Harlem Hellfighters! They were the first all-black National Guard unit in New York State. Founded in 1913, the 369th Regiment, as they were officially…

You're driving by a cornerstone of American Jewish history: Congregation Shearith Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. In 1654, a group of 23 Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Dutch Brazil…

Nothing about Central Park is natural. Every hill, lake, meadow, and woodland was designed from scratch by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux starting in 1858. Before construction, this was 843 acres of swamps,…

Imagine Harlem without Marcus Garvey Park? Unthinkable. This vibrant green space has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. Originally established in 1840 and named Mount Morris Park, it quickly became…

More than just a park, Central Park was a massive engineering project that transformed swampland into an urban oasis. Imagine this: in the mid-1800s, New York City was rapidly growing, and people craved green space. A…

Prepare to be amazed, because you're approaching an architectural marvel that houses a world-renowned collection of modern art: The Guggenheim Museum. Solomon R. Guggenheim, a wealthy industrialist, established the…

Imagine living in a mansion so grand, it practically screams "Gilded Age." That's exactly what Andrew Carnegie did in this very spot. Construction finished around 1902, the steel magnate, his wife Louise, and their…

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…

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…

This late 19th-century courthouse stands as a reminder of Harlem's evolving role within New York City. It's the Harlem Courthouse, built between 1891 and 1893. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style by Thom & Wilson,…

Step back into the gilded age at this Upper East Side mansion, once home to one of New York's wealthiest families. This impressive Classical Revival building was commissioned in 1930 by Virginia Fair Vanderbilt, the…

Imagine shaping the future of women's rights from a quiet house in New Jersey! That's exactly what Elizabeth Cady Stanton did here in Tenafly. From 1868 to 1887, this was Stanton's home base. After years in Seneca Falls…

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…

That grand mansion you're passing? It once belonged to Harry Sinclair, an oil tycoon who found himself at the center of a massive scandal. In the early 1920s, Sinclair's Mammoth Oil Company secretly leased government…

Feast your eyes on the Alwyn Court's terracotta facade, a stunning example of early 1900s apartment building design. Built between 1907 and 1909, the Alwyn Court was designed by Harde & Short in the French Renaissance…

Pull over here for a quick look at a house that's seen centuries go by. This stone building, the Daniel Demarest House, gives us a real peek into colonial life in New Jersey.Back in 1724, Daniel Demarest built this…

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.…

Get ready to step back in time to the Gilded Age, right here on Fifth Avenue! This opulent mansion, now the Frick Collection, was once the home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, a man who amassed a fortune in steel.…

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…

Alexander Hamilton chose the Great Falls of the Passaic River as the site for America's first planned industrial city in 1792.

Pull over here for a sec, I want to tell you about this place. Legend says this opulent mansion was built to spite a former lover, a testament to old New York society and heartbreak. This is the Gertrude Rhinelander…

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…

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…

Imagine being gifted a house by your mother-in-law! That's exactly what happened to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. This Neo-Georgian townhouse on East 65th Street was a wedding gift from Franklin's mother, Sara Delano…

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.…

Ever wanted to feel like Kevin McCallister? You're just steps from the iconic Plaza Hotel, a true movie star in its own right. Built in 1907, The Plaza quickly became a symbol of luxury and elegance in New York City. It…

Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery sits at 1063 Broad Street in Bloomfield, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy shop that has been making its own chocolate and ice cream since 1939 (and is still open). It earned…

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

Once the nation's premier movie palace, Radio City Music Hall has hosted countless legendary performers and groundbreaking film premieres. Imagine a spot originally slated for the Metropolitan Opera! But when those…

Imagine a world without NBC, without iconic TV moments filmed right here. That world might exist if not for 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Built in 1933, this Art Deco skyscraper was the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center and…

Right here is a place where women have been shaping Republican politics for over a century. Founded in 1921 by Henrietta Wells Livermore, the Women's National Republican Club emerged from the energy of the women's…

Prepare to be amazed by the Park Avenue Armory, a stunning relic of New York's Gilded Age. Built for the Seventh Regiment of the New York National Guard, construction finished in 1880. The goal was to create not just a…

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…

From its iconic ice rink to its Art Deco architecture, Rockefeller Center is a symbol of New York City's resilience and innovation. Originally, this prime real estate belonged to Columbia University, who leased it to…

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…

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…

Before it was a luxury condo, this building, Barbizon 63, was *the* place for aspiring young women in the arts and literature to live safely in New York City. From 1927 to 1981, the Barbizon Hotel for Women offered a…

This building stands as a symbol of the historical ties between the United States and the British Empire. Completed in 1933, the British Empire Building at Rockefeller Center was designed in the Art Deco style. Raymond…

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…

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…

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,…

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 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…

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,…

More than just a train station, Grand Central Terminal is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with hidden secrets and a celestial ceiling. Built on the site of two earlier train depots, Grand Central Terminal as we know it…

The stretch of West 28th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue where the American popular music publishing industry was born.

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…

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…

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…

Imagine owning so many rare books and manuscripts that you need your own private library! That's the story behind the Morgan Library & Museum. Financier J.P. Morgan, a major figure in American banking, started…

For 11 months, the Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world, a gleaming Art Deco monument to automotive ambition. It was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, head of the Chrysler Corporation, though…

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…

Imagine finding a secret garden tucked away in the heart of bustling Manhattan. That's Turtle Bay Gardens! In the late 1860s, these twenty rowhouses were built on East 48th and 49th streets. But they weren't always so…

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…

Hey, Superman fans, look up! This skyscraper inspired the Daily Planet building in the iconic comic books. The Daily News Building, located at 220 East 42nd Street, was completed in 1930. It was designed by Raymond Hood…

Imagine a time when this island wasn't part of the bustling metropolis of New York City, but rather a quiet, rural escape. Blackwell House offers a window into that past. Jacob Blackwell, the great-grandson of Robert…

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…

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…

Ever wonder where New York's horses lived back in the day? Here's a clue: Sniffen Court. This hidden mews, tucked between Third and Lexington Avenues, offers a charming glimpse into the city's equestrian past. Back in…

Step back in time in this unique apartment complex, a rare example of Tudor Revival architecture in Manhattan. Designed and developed by the Fred F. French Company, Tudor City's construction started in 1926. It was one…

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…

Get ready for some serious engineering! The Queensboro Bridge, officially the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, isn't just a way to get across the East River; it's a monument to early 1900s ingenuity. Construction started in…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Imagine the sounds of hammers and saws echoing from this spot over a century ago – this is where Sohmer & Company built their pianos! In 1886, Sohmer & Co. erected this impressive six-story brick factory in Astoria.…

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…

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…

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 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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Imagine the echoes of children's laughter bouncing off these walls; this historic schoolhouse once educated generations of Ridgewood kids. Built in 1895, the Beech Street School, now known as the Ridgewood Education…

This unassuming stone house whispers tales of early life in Ridgewood. Built sometime between 1750 and 1760, the David Ackerman House offers a tangible connection to Bergen County's past. David Ackerman, likely the…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

This society has been supporting Czech and Slovak immigrants since 1892. Back then, Astoria was a landing spot for many newcomers. The Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society formed to help them navigate a new country,…

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…

Likely built before 1778, this stone house stands as a silent witness to the American Revolution. The Tallman–Vanderbeck House, located on Piermont Road, was probably constructed by Cornelius Tallman. In the mid-19th…

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…

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…

CBGB at 315 Bowery was the birthplace of American punk rock, launching the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Television.

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,…

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…

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

Check it out, that's the old American Insurance Company Building! It was once a shining symbol of Newark's powerful insurance industry. Built in 1925, this neo-classical skyscraper at 15 Washington Street served as the…

Did you know that the sculptor of Mount Rushmore also created this monument right here? It's called Indian and the Puritan, and it stands in Harriet Tubman Square in Newark.The monument, crafted by Gutzon Borglum,…

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…

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…

Imagine living in the lap of luxury, fueled by the success of a brewing empire. That's exactly what the John Ballantine House represents. Built in 1884, this stunning mansion was home to John Holme Ballantine, son of…

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 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…

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…

Lights, camera, Astoria! You're near Kaufman Astoria Studios, a place that's seen more movie magic than almost anywhere else. Built in 1920 by Famous Players-Lasky, it was strategically placed close to Manhattan's…

You're passing a place that helped redefine housing in America: First Houses. Back in 1935, during the Great Depression, New York City acquired these tenement buildings. Then, between 1935 and 1936, they were renovated…

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…

That imposing building on Avenue B, Christodora House, has been a fixture of the East Village for almost a century. It's more than just architecture; it’s a testament to the neighborhood's history of helping those in…

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

Yonkers is a city etched with history, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the pulse of contemporary life. From its vantage point overlooking the Hudson River, its elevation offering sweeping views of New…

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…

Pull over for a second and imagine the roar of the crowd! Proctor's Theater in Yonkers was *the* place to be back in the day. Built between 1914 and 1916, it started as a vaudeville house, with live performances that…

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 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…

Yonkers once hummed with the electric energy of trolleys, and this massive brick building was at the heart of it all. Built in the early 1900s, the Yonkers Trolley Barn housed and maintained the city's trolley fleet.…

This unassuming building has sheltered generations of Newark's children, from orphans to college students. Originally the Newark Orphan Asylum, it was built in 1856 and 1857 to provide a home for children in need. For…

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…

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…

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…

Ever wonder what life was like behind bars over a century ago? This spot marks the location of the old Essex County Jail, a place that witnessed over a century of American prison history. Construction on the complex…

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 &…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Ironbound gets its name from the railroad tracks and major roadways that surround it on all sides, creating a distinct neighborhood east of downtown Newark. Since the 1830s, wave after wave of immigrants have made…

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 Yonkers as a bustling colonial hub, and right here stood the center of it all. Philipsburg Manor Hall was the heart of a vast estate owned by the Philipse family, powerful figures in colonial New York. The…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…