pre-revolutionary war manhattan recognizable in these 7 extant structures | louis ceruzzi
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M A N H A T T A NP R E - R E V O L U T I O N A R Y W A R
L O U I S C E R U Z Z I
R E C O G N I Z A B L E I N T H E S E 7 E X T A N TS T R U C T U R E S
St. Paul’s Chapel, 209 BroadwaySt. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1764, and it’s one of the oldest
surviving buildings in the borough. On the day of GeorgeWashington’s inauguration, Washington kneeled at a pew and
prayed at this landmark. More than that, St. Paul’s Chapelmanaged to escape damage after planes struck the nearby World
Trade Center during 2001’s terrorist attack. It became asanctuary for first responders, those seeking momentary shelter,
and mourners. In the years to follow 9/11, visitors often pay thechapel a visit after paying homage at Ground Zero. Pews have
been removed to accommodate visitors.
Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl StreetThe Fraunces Tavern was originally constructed as a home in 1719
in Lower Manhattan. The son-in-law of New York City mayorStephanus van Cortlandt, Etienne “Stephen” Delancy designedthe home in 1719. Less than half a century later, the home was
transformed into a tavern. Because of its extremely renovation,the tavern’s authenticity as a one of the longest surviving
building is a point of contention. The tavern was rebuilt duringthe early 20th century following a fire, and it’s clung to its
original colonial look. The establishment still has a workingrestaurant, which enhances the trip to the onsite museum.
Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace
The Washington Heights-located mansion is one of the oldesthomes on the island of Manhattan. The classic home is an off-the-
beaten-path tourist destination. The home once temporarilyhoused General George Washington during the Revolutionary
War, and he later returned to dine there in 1790. The tours offervisitors a glimpse into the world of decorative arts, period
furnishings, and incredible exhibitions.
273 Water Street, The Rose HouseIncredibly close to the Brooklyn Bridge, the property also known
as the Rose House, is just a short distance from the BrooklynBridge, existing long before the bridge was established duringthe 19th century. The house was constructed in 1773, facing the
East River. By the late 1800s, the house was converted into atavern known for its notorious rat- and dog- fighting ring. Duringthe 90s, the building was reverted back to a private residence
despite is notorious history.
Edward Mooney House, 18 Bowery
The Mooney home was constructed between the years 1785 and1789, and it was built to function as a hotel, private residence,
saloon, and brothel.
Angel Orensanz Center, 172 Norfolk Street
The LES building is the oldest surviving synagogue in NYC,standing since 1849. The Gothic Revival Synagogue is adorned
with colorful architecture and beautiful design. Spanish sculptorand painter Angel Orensanz purchased and restored the property
in 1986. The center, which is the fourth-oldest survivingsynagogue building in the United States, is now the home to a
liberal Reform synagogue.
The Bridge Café, 279 Water Street
Established in 1794, the historic cafe served food and drinks; aswell, it was a grocery and wine and porter bottler. Functional
throughout the years, the cafe sustained severe damage fromHurricane Sandy prompted an indefinite closure.
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