NPS Website.
WHAT IS IT?Neo-classical building completed in 1842 located at 26 Wall Street across from the New York Stock Exchange. At this site in 1789, but in a previous building, the Bill of Rights was adopted and George Washington took the Oath of Office as the first President of the United States.
BEAUTY (4/10)
The neo-classical building looks a bit cramped, squat and uninspired amidst the surrounding sequoias of Wall Street. The proud statue on its steps of George Washington echoes history. I wonder how he feels forever staring at the entrance of the New York Stock Exchange.
HISTORICAL INTEREST (8/10)
Bill of Rights adopted here. Our first President’s first Oath of Office was here. On display is the actual Bible. The first case that successfully defended the concept of Freedom of the Press tried here. Who cares if the actual building is different?
CROWDS (6/10)
Crowded outside, sparse inside.
EASE OF USE/ACCESS (1/5)
Tall steps leading into the entrance. Didn’t see any ramps. Tucked down a small alley cluttered with road work and today, news cameras and extra police waiting for the Stock Exchange to close. Might have missed it if we weren’t looking.
CONCESSIONS/BOOKSTORE (1/5)
Not much.
COSTS (3/5)
Free to enter. Just need to get yourself there.
RANGER/GUIDE TO TOURIST RATIO (3/5)
One ranger at the desk; one on the floor. There were only five visitors there so the ratio was fine.
TOURS/CLASSES (6/10)
We arrived near closing time. We missed the last tour. But the interior is so small, I’m not quite sure what the tour would have entailed. There is yet another diorama, this one of Peter Zenger’s trial and release. The 10-minute animated film is of George Washington reminiscing about the Revolutionary War and his Presidency.
FUN (3/10)
Anticlimactic after a day at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
WOULD WE RECOMMEND? (5/10)
If you are near Wall Street, stop in.
TOTAL 40/80
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