Article Overview: Historic Sites In New York
Historic Sites In New York. More Than Just Parks has 20 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
There’s so much more to this exciting place than the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible historic sites located in New York State.
We’re going to give you our Top Twenty List of the Best Historic Sites In New York!
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Well, actually it does since I was born and raised in New York City.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table Of Contents: Historic Sites In New York
Top 20 Historic Sites In New York
20. Central Park
Central Park is a public park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It was first proposed in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who won a design competition to create the park. Construction began in 1858 and was completed in 1873.
The park is 843 acres and is home to numerous landmarks, including the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, the Bethesda Fountain, the Delacorte Theater, and the Central Park Mall.
The park was created as a response to the urbanization and industrialization of New York City in the mid-19th century. Olmsted and Vaux’s design aimed to provide a natural oasis within the city, with the intention of providing a place for the public to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
A Popular Destination For New Yorkers
Throughout its history, Central Park has been a popular destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. It has been the site of numerous events and cultural performances, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
In the 20th century, the park underwent a major restoration and renovation, led by Robert Moses, which aimed to address decades of neglect and improve the park’s infrastructure.
Central Park is now considered one of the most famous and iconic parks in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
It is known for its lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, including walking, jogging, and picnicking. It’s also a place for cultural and artistic expression, hosting events such as Shakespeare in the Park, the Summer Stage concert series, and many more.
19. Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum in New York City is a historical museum that tells the story of immigration and the everyday lives of the working-class immigrants who lived in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is located in a restored tenement building at 97 Orchard Street, which was home to over 7,000 working-class immigrants between 1863 and 1935.
The museum was founded in 1988 by Ruth Abram, who purchased and restored the building, and it is considered one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to the history of immigration.
It offers a variety of tours and programs that explore the experiences of immigrants who lived in the building, including the Irish, German, Jewish, and Chinese immigrants who called the building home.
Learn About The Lives Of The Immigrants Who Came To NYC
The museum’s exhibits include restored apartments that have been decorated and furnished to reflect the lives of the immigrants who lived there, as well as artifacts and personal items that belonged to the residents.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for students and adults, including walking tours of the Lower East Side and workshops on immigration and American history.
The Tenement Museum is a unique and important institution that provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class immigrants and the role they played in shaping American society. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history, urban studies, and the immigrant experience.
18. Rose Center For Earth & Space
The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a museum and planetarium located in New York City, within the American Museum of Natural History.
The center encompasses the Hayden Sphere, a spectacular glass and steel structure that houses the Hayden Planetarium, as well as exhibitions that explore the vast range of sizes in the cosmos, the 13-billion-year history of the universe, the nature of galaxies, stars, and planets, and the dynamic features of planet Earth.
The Rose Center is designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the universe and our place within it.
The center’s exhibits include interactive displays, computer animations, and state-of-the-art technology that bring the universe to life. The Hayden Planetarium, which is located within the Hayden Sphere, uses advanced technology to simulate the night sky, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of the cosmos.
The Rose Center also hosts a variety of educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and special events that are designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The Rose Center is considered a must-see destination for anyone interested in astronomy, space science, and the history of the universe, and it’s considered one of the most advanced planetariums in the world.
17. Historic Trinity Church
Trinity Church is a historic church located at the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.
It was founded in the 17th century, and it is one of the oldest parishes in New York City. The current building, which is considered one of the first Gothic Revival buildings in New York City, was completed in 1846, replacing the original church that had been destroyed in the Great Fire of New York in 1776.
The church’s architecture is notable for its Gothic style, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate stone carvings. The surrounding cemetery is the burial place of many historical Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, and Francis Lewis, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Throughout its history, Trinity Church has played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of New York City. It has been a significant institution in the city, and it continues to be an active parish and a popular tourist destination.
The church offers a variety of services and programs, including regular Sunday services, concerts, and educational programs that highlight the history and cultural significance of the church and its role in the development of New York City.
16. Historic Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern is a historic building located in Manhattan, New York City.
It was originally built in 1719 by the De Lancey family, and is considered the oldest tavern in New York City and the oldest standing structure in Manhattan.
The tavern served as a meeting place for prominent figures such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolutionary War.
Saved By The Daughters Of The American Revolution
In 1900, the building was meant to be demolished but the Daughters of the American Revolution, with the help of Andrew H. Green, attempted to purchase and preserve the property. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, until the city came together to save the building.
The building was then purchased by the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, who restored and preserved it as a museum.
Today, Fraunces Tavern serves as a museum and a National Historic Landmark, showcasing the history of the American Revolution and the role of the tavern in colonial New York.
Visitors can tour the restored tavern, see exhibits on the American Revolution, and attend educational programs and events. The tavern also operates as a restaurant, serving traditional colonial fare.
Top 15 Historic Sites In New York
15. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a historic suspension bridge in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was built in 1883, and at the time of its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning 1,595 feet (486 meters) across the East River.
The bridge was designed by John A. Roebling, and its construction was led by his son, Washington Roebling, after John Roebling died from an injury sustained during the initial construction.
Before the Brooklyn Bridge was built, Brooklyn was considered a separate city entirely, and not classified as part of New York City. The bridge was a major engineering feat of its time, and it was a crucial link in connecting the two cities, making it much easier for people to travel between the two. It was also a symbol of the city’s growth and the future.
Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark, and it continues to be an important transportation link and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy the views of the city and the river, it is also a great spot for photography and sightseeing.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol of New York City’s history, engineering, and culture and it’s considered an iconic landmark of the city.
14. The American Museum Of Natural History
It was my favorite museum while growing up in NYC. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a world-renowned natural history museum located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It was founded in 1869 and is one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the world.
Its permanent exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including anthropology, biology, geology, and paleontology, and they explore the natural world and the universe.
The museum’s collection contains over 33 million specimens and artifacts, including specimens of animals, plants, rocks, and minerals, as well as cultural artifacts from ancient and modern cultures. The museum’s most famous exhibit is the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, which features a 94-foot-long Barosaurus and a 65-foot-long Allosaurus.
The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits and special events throughout the year, as well as educational programs for visitors of all ages. The AMNH is also home to research laboratories and a library, which are used by scientists, scholars and students from around the world.
With its vast collection and wide range of exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-see destination for anyone interested in natural history, science, and culture.
13. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a skyscraper located in New York City. It was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and was completed in 1931. It stands at 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall and was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion.
The building was constructed during the Great Depression and was meant to be a symbol of hope and progress.
The building has become an iconic symbol of New York City and is a popular tourist destination. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Check Out One Of The Amazing Tours At The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building offers several different tours for visitors to experience the building and its history.
The most popular tour is the “Main Observation Deck” tour, which allows visitors to take an elevator to the 86th floor observation deck to take in the 360-degree views of the city.
The “Skip the Line” tour allows visitors to bypass the main entrance lines and proceed directly to the elevators for the main observation deck.
The “Empire State Building Observatory Experience” is a self-guided audio tour that allows visitors to explore the main observation deck at their own pace.
For the more adventurous, there is the “Empire State Building: 102nd Floor Observatory” tour, which takes you to the top of the building, 102nd floor observatory, where you can see the most spectacular views of the city.
The “Empire State Building: Behind the Scenes” tour, where visitors can learn about the building’s history, architecture and engineering.
Finally, the “Empire State Building: VIP Tour” offers a private guide and priority access to the elevators and observation decks.
Please note that all tours are subject to availability and are offered at an additional cost to the general admission ticket price.
12. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as “the Met,” is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, located in New York City.
The museum’s collection includes over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. The Met has collections of American, European, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian, African, Oceanic, Byzantine, and Islamic art, as well as the Costume Institute, the American Wing, and the Met Cloisters.
The Met’s main building, located at the edge of Central Park on Fifth Avenue, is a Beaux-Arts structure designed by American architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mold.
The museum also operates several smaller facilities, including The Met Cloisters in Upper Manhattan, which focuses on medieval art, and The Met Breuer on Madison Avenue, which focuses on modern and contemporary art.
The Met is open seven days a week and offers a wide range of programs and services for visitors, including guided tours, lectures, workshops, and family programs. The museum also operates a research library, conservation lab, and an online collection database that is accessible to the public.
Admission to the Met is “pay what you wish,” meaning that visitors can pay whatever they can afford. However, some special exhibitions and events may have an additional admission fee.
11. Grand Central Station
Historic Grand Central Terminal, commonly known as Grand Central Station, is a railway station located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.
The terminal was first opened in 1913 and has served as the primary transportation hub for the New York City area ever since. It is also a major tourist destination, with over 21 million visitors each year.
The terminal is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, which includes a grand main concourse, with a ceiling adorned with a famous astronomical mural.
The terminal also boasts several notable features such as the iconic four-faced clock and the Whispering Gallery, where people can stand at opposite diagonal corners and hear each other speak in a whisper.
It’s More Than Just A Railroad Terminal
In addition to being a major transportation hub, Grand Central Terminal also offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options for visitors.
The terminal is home to over 20 restaurants, including upscale dining options and casual eateries, as well as over 50 luxury stores. There are also several events and tours available for visitors to learn about the terminal’s history and architecture.
Grand Central Terminal is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows and has been featured in numerous productions such as, The Avengers, Men in Black, The Godfather and many more.
Top 10 Historic Sites In New York
10. Women’s Rights National Historic Park
There is so much important history in New York from revolutionary war to revolutionary struggle. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, NY on July 19-20, 1848.
It’s a story of struggles for civil rights, human rights, and equality, global struggles that continue today. The efforts of women’s rights leaders, abolitionists, and other 19th century reformers remind us that all people must be accepted as equals.
The park consists of four major historical properties including the Wesleyan Chapel and the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Thomas and Mary Ann M’Clintock.
9. Federal Hall National Memorial
Historic Federal Hall National Memorial serves as a memorial to the country’s first capitol and the birthplace of American government.
The building, which was originally built in 1700s, served as the United States Capitol building from 1785 to 1790 and as the first presidential mansion for George Washington.
The current structure, which was completed in 1842, is a replica of the original Federal Hall and serves as a museum and visitor center.
Inside, visitors can see exhibits on the history of the building and the events that took place there, including the first congress, the inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States, and the passage of the Bill of Rights.
The building also houses a research library, which contains a collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts related to the early history of the United States. Visitors can also take guided tours of the building, which are offered by the National Park Service. Federal Hall National Memorial is open to the public and admission is free.
The building is located on Wall Street in the Financial District of Manhattan, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in American history and the founding of the United States.
RELATED: 25 EPIC New York State National Parks To Visit
8. African Burial Ground National Monument
The African Burial Ground National Monument is a historic site located in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
It is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans, who were buried there during the late 17th and 18th centuries.
The site was rediscovered in 1991 during the construction of a federal office building and was designated a National Monument in 2006.
The site includes a visitors center that features exhibits on the history of the burial ground and the people who were buried there.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of the site, which includes the remains of more than 400 individuals that were excavated from the burial ground, as well as a memorial that honors the people buried there.
An Important Reminder Of The Contributions Of African Americans
The African Burial Ground National Monument also serves as an important reminder of the contributions and experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America, and the history of slavery in New York City. It is a place of reflection and learning that offers a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
The African Burial Ground National Monument is open to the public and admission is free. It is located in Lower Manhattan, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in African American history, and the history of slavery in the United States.
And, while you’re immersing yourself in the history of this place, why not take a “deeper dive” with a walking tour of the African-American Freedom Trail.
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African American Freedom Trail
This self-guided tour includes some places of major historical significance including:
- Fort Amsterdam-In 1625 enslaved Africans arrived in New Amsterdam. Among their first tasks was to build the first fort on Manhattan Island, known as Fort Amsterdam.
- Broadway-The city’s first municipal work force, African slaves cleared land and shoreline and widened Native American trails, including a wide road-later known as Broadway.
- Fraunces’ Tavern-A popular restaurant owned by Samuel Fraunces, a West Indian caterer of French and African origin. Site of General George Washington’s farewell address to his troops in 1783.
- Downing’s Oyster House-Popular restaurant in the early 1800s owned by black abolitionist Thomas Downing. Its cellar served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
- The Wall-African slaves constructed a wall across Manhattan Island in 1653. Extending from the Hudson River to the East River, it is later known as Wall Street.
- Wall Street Slave Market-Established in 1711 at a pier at Wall Street and the East River, African men, women, and children were sold at the Wall Street Slave Market.
- 1712 Slave Revolt-A group of enslaved Africans ambushed whites on the outskirts of the city in 1712. Nineteen blacks were executed in response to the slave uprising.
- African Free School-Founded in 1787 in a single room for forty boys and girls.
- St. Peter’s Church-Destroyed by fire in 1835, the church was rebuilt chiefly from money given by Pierre Toussaint, a former slave and Haitian philanthropist.
Still More Sites To See On The African American Freedom Trail
10. The Dr. James McCune Smith House-A graduate of the African Free School, Dr. Smith established a medical practice and pharmacy here in 1837.
11. Pinkster Celebration-In the 17th century, the Afro-Dutch community celebrated an African ceremony called Pinkster at this site. The annual celebration coincided with the Christian observance of Pentecost.
12. 1741 Executions-A rumor of a slave uprising in New York City led to the trial and convictions of thirty-five defendants. All were executed, either by hanging or burning, including’ thirty-one black men, two white men, and two white women.
13. Road to Harlem-In 1658, African workers built the road to Harlem (later known as the Boston Post Road).
14. 1863 Draft Riots-During four days of citywide violence in July 1863, the homes of African Americans and abolitionists were firebombed. Estimates range from 100 to more than 1,000 people killed, including two men, Abraham Franklin and Jeremiah Robinson, on Roosevelt Street.
15. Land of the Blacks-From 1643 to 1712, more than thirty farms owned by free blacks spanned the frontier north of the African Burial Ground to 34th Street.
16. Frederick Douglass-The Hudson River pier where Frederick Washington Bailey, a runaway slave from Maryland, came ashore in 1838. Aided by the Underground Railroad, Bailey achieved freedom and renamed himself Frederick Douglass.
17. Abyssinian Baptist Church-Founded in 1808 by black members of the First Baptist Church.
18. Mother A.M.E. Zion Church-The first African-American church in New York City, founded in 1796.
19. Freedom’s Journal
20. Ruggles’ Boarding House-Rooming house for blacks owned by black abolitionist David Ruggles, and an 22. Underground Railroad station that assisted hundreds of fugitives, including Frederick Douglass. (Source: NPS)
7. General Grant National Memorial
Washington was the first victorious general to ascend to the White House. He would be followed by others among them Ulysses S. Grant. Grant (1822-1885) commanded the victorious Union army during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and served as the 18th U.S. president from 1869 to 1877.
The final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant is just one of the things to see at the General Grant National Memorial. It’s the largest mausoleum in North America.
At the memorial, you can see a 20-minute film about Grant’s life and achievements titled “A Legacy of Freedom.” There’s also a permanent exhibit gallery addressing some of the major events in Ulysses S. Grant’s life as well as a bookstore/giftshop. There you can find some fascinating historical works as well as other Grant memorabilia.
If you want to learn the story of the man who served as the Lieutenant General of the Armies (a rank previously held only by George Washington) and who was considered by many to be the most important general in our nation’s history after George Washington.
Take A Deeper Dive
If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into the story of this incredible individual you cannot do better than his personal memoirs–The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant.
Of course, if you’re looking for a more objective assessment that I would recommend either Grant by Ron Chernow or Grant by Jean Edward Smith. I’ve read both and both are excellent.
6. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919.
The site includes the main house, a number of outbuildings, and the surrounding grounds. The house, which was originally built in 1884, was expanded and renovated during Roosevelt’s time there to suit the needs of his growing family.
After Roosevelt’s death, the house was turned into a museum and was designated a National Historic Site in 1962.
The site is now open to the public and offers tours, exhibits, and educational programs related to the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt.
It also includes a nature trail, which is a great spot for a stroll, and a museum that features exhibits on the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, as well as the history of the area.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is open to the public and admission is free. It is located on the North Shore of Long Island, about 30 miles from New York City.
The Top 5 Historical Sites In New York
5. Ellis Island
America is a national of immigrants and their history often began at Ellis Island. Today it’s is a historical site, but it opened in 1892 as an immigration station. It served this purpose for more than 60 years until it closed in 1954.
Ellis Island saw millions of newly arrived immigrants pass through its doors. It has been estimated that close to 40 percent of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island, which is truly amazing.
Today visitors can explore the National Immigration Museum. You can walk the halls of the former processing station just as so many people did over so many years.
If you want to learn more about your own story then you can also visit the Family History Center to learn about where you fit in the continuum of American immigration. There’s an incredible collection of arrival records for people looking to retrace their ancestry and their family’s journey to the United States.
RELATED: 40 EPIC National Parks In Washington D.C.
4. Home Of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, also known as Springwood, is the lifelong home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.
The site includes the main house, which was built in 1845 and served as the Roosevelt family’s primary residence for over 80 years, as well as several outbuildings, including a cottage, a library, and a museum.
The main house, which is open to the public, has been preserved to look as it did when Franklin D. Roosevelt lived there and visitors can see the rooms where he was born, grew up, and died.
The museum features exhibits on the life and legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt, including information about his presidency and the New Deal programs he implemented during the Great Depression.
The site also includes a presidential library, which houses the papers and artifacts of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and a visitors center, which provides information about the history of the site and the Roosevelt family.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the main house and the outbuildings, as well as hiking trails through the surrounding woods and gardens.
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is open to the public and admission is free.
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3. Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection and tourist destination in New York City, known for its bright lights, billboards, and bustling atmosphere. It is located in Midtown Manhattan, at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, and is often referred to as “The Crossroads of the World” or “The Center of the Universe.”
The area has been a major entertainment and commercial hub since the early 20th century and is home to some of the most iconic and recognizable billboards and signs in the world, including the New Year’s Eve ball drop and the billboards of Broadway theaters.
The billboards and signs are so bright that it is often said that Times Square can be seen from outer space, although this is not entirely accurate.
In recent years, the city has implemented regulations to reduce the amount of light pollution in Times Square, which includes a minimum light level requirement for new signs and billboards. This is done to ensure that the area remains a vibrant and attractive destination for visitors while also minimizing the impact on the surrounding areas and the environment.
Times Square is a major tourist destination and sees millions of visitors each year.
2. 911 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, located at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
The memorial includes two large pools, each located in the footprint of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the attacks. The pools are surrounded by a plaza that is inscribed with the names of the victims of the attacks.
The memorial also includes a museum, located within the footprint of the original towers, that tells the story of 9/11 and its aftermath through a variety of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and oral histories. The museum also includes a section dedicated to the victims, which includes personal items and photographs.
It’s A Place Of Remembrance & Reflection
The memorial is open to the public and is free to visit. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the impact they had on the city and the world. The memorial is often busy, so it is recommended to book a reservation in advance.
The 9/11 Memorial is a sacred and emotional place, representing an important part of the history of New York City and America, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city who wants to honor the memory of the victims and pay their respects to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
Do You Remember Where You Were On That Historic Day?
An overwhelming share of Americans who are old enough to recall the day remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news.
I’ve been there and I believe that every American needs to make this pilgrimage to truly appreciate and understand this memorial.
Not only the evil deeds which were committed on this day, but also the incredible acts of heroism performed by first responders as well as ordinary Americans who found themselves confronting the most dastardly attack on America since Pearl Harbor.
1. Statue Of Liberty National Monument
The Statue of Liberty, officially named Liberty Enlightening the World, is a colossal statue located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
The Statue of Liberty was intended to symbolize the friendship between the two countries and to celebrate the centennial of American independence. It stands at 151 feet (46 meters) tall and is made of copper, which has since turned green due to the process of patination. The statue holds a torch above her head with her right hand and holds a tablet in her left hand with the date of American independence.
See Lady Liberty Up Close & Personal
The statue was closed for renovation from 1984 to 1986 and again in 2019-2021 and is now open to the public. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close, and also to Ellis Island, which is where millions of immigrants passed through on their way to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visitors can also take an elevator to the crown of the statue for a panoramic view of the harbor.
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy and is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting New York City and is a powerful reminder of the ideals of freedom and opportunity that have defined the United States since its founding.
Emma Lazarus
You may remember learning that wonderful Emma Lazarus poem titled, “The New Colossus.” Who could forget those stirring lines which go as follows:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Sitting in the heart of New York Harbor lies what is arguably the most recognizable symbol in America – The Statue of Liberty.
List Of Historic Sites In New York
- Statue Of Liberty National Monument
- 911 Memorial
- Times Square
- Home Of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Ellis Island
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
- General Grant National Memorial
- African Burial Ground National Monument
- Federal Hall National Memorial
- Women’s Rights National Historic Park
- Grand Central Station
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Empire State Building
- The American Museum Of Natural History
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Fraunces Tavern
- Trinity Church
- Rose Center For Earth & Space
- Tenement Museum
- Central Park
About the Folks Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then sign up below!
Related Links
To learn more about the difference between the various National Park Service designations check out our article that explains everything!
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National Parks In New York: 25 EPIC New York National Parks
Historic Landmarks In America: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America
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