History of Manhattan

Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely-populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on Manhattan Island at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County. (Wikipedia)

16th Century New York

The 16th Century was a time of great exploration, religious and political turmoil, scientific advances, and extraordinary literature. The aboriginal population of the 16th century New York Harbor, used the waterways for fishing and travel.

17th Century New York

In 1609 an Englishman, Henry Hudson, sailed up the Hudson River. Then in 1624 the Dutch founded the first permanent trading post. In 1626 the first governor, bought the island of Manhattan from the Native Americans. (Local Histories)

18th Century New York

By 1700 New York had a population of almost 5,000 and it continued to grow rapidly. By 1776 the population was about 25,000. In 1800 New York City had about 60,000 inhabitants. (Local Histories)

19th Century New York

In 1811 a new fort called West Battery replaced Fort George. In 1815 it was renamed Castle Clinton. In 1807 the governor of the state of New York appointed a commission to draw up a plan for the city. (Local Histories)

Monday, March 28, 2011

1600 Broadway

Just imagine living on Times Square. "On the Square", 1600 Broadway offers this opportunity. "On the Square" is located in the heart of New York City. Offering studio, one, two and three bedroom residences, 1600 Broadway On the Square redefines city living at its best.
The entrance to your new home on Broadway, between 48th and 49th Streets, leads you into a spacious and welcoming lobby, finished with quartered teak and a twenty-foot high curved wall. The full-service concierge desk is staffed around the clock for your convenience and peace of mind.
"Club On The Square" comprises the entire fourth floor of 1600 Broadway. Enjoy the many world-class amenities offered at Club On The Square, including an entertainment lounge with billiards, putting green, virtual golf, fitness center and full-equipped conference center.
The fourth-floor outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views of the Times Square cityscape from its rolling landscaped plaza with sprawling lawn and trees. This is one-of-a-kind environment which adds a new dimension to your life.
The rooftop Observatory at 1600 Broadway provides front-row seats both to dramatic Times Square cityscape views and inspiring sunsets beyond the city skyline. Watch the city move from lounge chairs on the lawn, stargaze, or sunbathe, and take an outdoor shower on the expansive rooftop observatory deck.



Fraunces Tavern House Museum


Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs.

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building.
Fraunces Tavern® Museum’s mission is to educate the public about New York City history as it relates to Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and the Early Republic. This mission is fulfilled through the preservation and interpretation of the Museum’s landmarked 1719 building along with varied exhibitions of art and artifacts as they relate to the historic site.



Sunday, March 27, 2011

Edward Mooney House


At the corner of Bowery and Pell, stands the oldest townhouse in Manhattan which was built in 1785 by Edward Mooney, a wealthy merchant in wholesale mean and a racehorse breeder.
The side of the building facing Pell Street is gabled and has a round-headed central window flanked by quarter-round shaped windows. This forecast the Federal style in New York, while the building’s front looked back to the Georgian style preferred by the departing British. The building still contains its original hand-hewn timbers. 
It became a tavern in the 1820's, a store and hotel in the early 20th century, then a pool parlor, a restaurant and a Chinese club, a bank, and it has been recently restored to its original condition and is a rental building.



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