What to do at Manhattan’s Bowling Green

(Last Updated On: November 17, 2020)
There is plenty of Alexander Hamilton to see in lower Manhattan. Here, an image of the Trinity Church graveyard where Hamilton is buried. The statue depicts a judge, not Hamilton. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

There is plenty of Alexander Hamilton to see in lower Manhattan. Here, an image of the Trinity Church graveyard where Hamilton is buried. The statue depicts a judge, not Hamilton. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Seeing New York City One Subway Stop at a Time

From my catalogue of good ideas is the notion of exploring a city one subway stop at a time. This approach works well with a city in which you happen to live, for those cities you happen to live near, and even for one-off cities you happen to be visiting. No need to traipse all over town; take in a city one stop at a time. With this in mind, I head down to the tip of Manhattan, a place where I tend to spend very little time. Today, I am exploring Bowling Green, a stop on the 4 and 5 trains.

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The National Museum of the American Indian is housed in the old Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Bowling Green, Manhattan. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

The National Museum of the American Indian is housed in the old Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Bowling Green, Manhattan. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Fresh out of the station, I see the actual Bowling Green, the oldest park in the city and purportedly the site of the sale of Manhattan by the Indians to the Dutch in 1626. I like the idea that American Revolutionaries tore down a statue of King George III that once stood here.

The Bowling Green fence has enclosed the park since 1771. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

The Bowling Green fence has enclosed the park since 1771. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Directly across from the park is the National Museum of the American Indian in the old Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House — an opportunity to learn both about indigenous people and also about life before income tax in the United States. As a major port in the young United States, the Port of New York presented quite a nice revenue stream for the federal government, courtesy of the customs duties. The Custom House was completed in 1907, and it is a National Historic Landmark.

General George Washington addressed his officers at nearby Fraunces Tavern, which is still a working restaurant as well as a museum.

General George Washington addressed his officers at nearby Fraunces Tavern, which is still a working restaurant as well as a museum. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Afterward, if you are up for seeing a bit of very old New York, head south toward Pearl Street and Fraunces Tavern, which has been in business since 1762 and was the site of General George Washington’s farewell address to officers who served in the Revolution. The tavern is now both a museum and a restaurant. Other eating options include the Stone Street Tavern and the Dead Rabbit.

Fraunces Tavern. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

Fraunces Tavern. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

If your day is a bright one, continue your southerly walk and check out the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Water Street. Interestingly, a real estate developer donated $1 million for the memorial back in the 1980s. His name? Donald Trump. Jane Gross, New York Pays Homage to Vietnam Veterans, N.Y. Times, May 7, 1985.

The Fearless Girl is very popular with tourists. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

The Fearless Girl is very popular with tourists. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Then trace your steps back to Bowling Green and find footprints of the defiant girl who at one time faced down the charging bull statue. Now the fearless girl statue stands outside of the New York Stock Exchange.

Trinity Church, Manhattan. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

Trinity Church, Manhattan. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Circling back to that Hamilton theme, head north on Broadway to Trinity Church and find his grave along with other notables in the graveyard. The current church building has been around since 1846, although earlier structures were in existence prior to the Revolution.

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A plaque at Trinity Church commemorates Prince Philip's more active duties. The plaque reads: "On this spot stood her majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her gracious visit, 9 July 1976. His royal highness the Prince Philip stood nearby." Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

A plaque at Trinity Church commemorates Prince Philip’s more active duties. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

Then hop on the 4 or 5 train at the Wall Street Station right by the church.

National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, New York, N.Y. 10004

Fraunces Tavern, 54 Pearl Street, New York, N.Y. 10004

Stone Street Tavern, 52 Stone Street, New York, N.Y. 10004

The Dead Rabbit, 30 Water Street, New York, N.Y. 10004

Vietnam Veterans Plaza, 55 Water Street, New York, N.Y. 10041

Charging Bull, Broadway and State Streets,  New York, N.Y.

Trinity Church, 75 Broadway, New York, N.Y.  10006

New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St, New York, N.Y. 10005

—Lori Tripoli

Image of Bashful Adventurer Editor and Publisher Lori Tripoli. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications.

Contact Lori at loritripoli@bashfuladventurer.com.

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