A Walk of Independence from Manhattan to Brooklyn
New York City is known as the concrete jungle, but even during its colonial days, it was a battle ground;
from the enslaved people seeking freedom to the soldiers defending the city against English troops in
Brooklyn. After the Revolution, the Bank of New York was established to further flourish the developing
city. Every wall put up and every concrete floor made, lays a story underneath it. A battle ground not
only for soldiers but for the ordinary people who walk those grounds as well.
Tour
First you will get off the 3 train on Wall Street. Then head southeast and walk towards 48 Wall Street.
You are now standing around museums, restaurants, hotels and an old style building that for years
served as the Bank of New York. With its large arched windows, the tower was located here from 1797
to 1998. It served as the headquarters of the Bank of New York. This bank is known to be the oldest
bank in New York City. It was thought of to be the solution to the failing American economy when
Hamilton created the bank. Even though the Bank of New York is no longer located at this address, this
building is designed to be part of the Renaissance Revival and is a National Registered landmark.
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Turn right into Waters ST, make a right onto State ST and then make a left onto ADM George
Dewey, now turn right and arrive at Battery Pl and West ST. You are now standing in front of the
New York Harbor.
New York Harbor is located at Battery Park (Lower Manhattan, 10004). Its beautiful breathtaking
waterfront and flower gardens make Battery Park a lovely place to wander. The circular, red sandstone
fort in the center of the park is Castle Clinton, built in 1811, to defend the harbor. Throughout time it
has served New York City in numerous ways; a concert hall in 1824, as an immigration depot from 1855
to 1890 (where nearly one million immigrants were processed), the New York Aquarium from 1896 to
1941, and today is used primarily as a ticket booth for trips to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
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You are now to head North West, make a right onto Greenwich ST, walk for about 4 minutes and
make another right onto Trinity Pl., make a right onto Liberty ST and then make a left onto
Broadway, walk straight ahead and arrive at 290 Broadway. You are now standing in front of the
African Burial Ground Museum which is on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal office
building.
The African Burial Ground existed on the premises of the following; Broadway, Chambers Street, Reade
Street, Duane Street, Elk Street, Centre Street, and Lafayette Street. The best spot to see the outdoor
memorial park would be to walk towards the intersection of Elk and Duane streets. There one sees the
grassy fields and massive skyscrapers; some federal, business and offices buildings, which almost
conceal the memorial. The Wall of Remembrance is a granite wall detailing major dates pertaining the
site. The Memorial Wall displays a large map that specifies the borders of how big the original burial site
was. On one of the walls, the following is engraved: “For all those who were lost. For all those who were
stolen. For all those were left behind. For all those who were not forgotten”. What would essentially
capture the public’s attention would be the large Circle of Diaspora for its engraved walls covered in
symbols and images from different areas such as Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Afterwards
one would enter inside the museum to receive a tour and learn more about the African diaspora and
view their personal belongings and remains.
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Start going South East on Broadway and turn right into Chambers ST, enter the Subway station
and take the F train heading to Coney Island. Stay on the F train for about 13 minutes/6 stops
and get off at 4 Avenue, exit the station towards the North East area and turn right onto 5th ST.
and then make a left onto 5th Ave. arrive at 344 5th Avenue.
One of the major sites of the Battle of Long Island is the Old Stone House located in J.J Byrne Park (344
5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY). The Old Stone House is accessible via F/ Fourth Avenue. Take the F train at the
Brooklyn Bridge which is a twenty six minute walk from 290 Broadway. The F train is accessible on York
Street heading towards Kings Highway. You will get off on 4th Avenue and 9th street. Once you walk out
the train station you are going to start walking down 4th avenue until you get to 3rd street which is
where Pep Boys and Staples are located. It is your average neighborhood walk but the view of the Old
Stone House is worth it. Once you get down to 3rd Street, turn to your right and you will see an
enormous, beautiful park which is J.J Byrne Park. When you enter the park you will see the beautifully
reconstructed Old Stone House. It is surrounded by beautiful trees and benches so anyone can sit down
and enjoy the view.