Federal Hall National Memorial

The tall columns fronting Federal Hall and the majestic statue of George Washington located on its steps are an iconic sight on Wall Street. Built on the site of New York’s first City Hall and located across from the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Hall National Memorial is both an American history museum and a memorial to the country’s first President.

The First Capital of the USA

This site is where George Washington took the oath of office as the country’s first President on April 30, 1789. It was also the location of America’s first Congress and Supreme Court. The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and the building was demolished in 1812. The current structure, built as a US Customs House, now features a museum with a collection of Washington's inaugural memorabilia and other artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of America’s beginnings.

Things to See

Highlights of the site include the Bible George Washington used to take his oath of office as the first American President, the stone floor of the original Federal Hall’s balcony where Washington stood for his swearing-in ceremony and the actual railing he stood behind to take his presidential oath.

Visiting Federal Hall in New York City

A National Park Service site, Federal Hall is located at 26 Wall Street (between Broad and Nassau Streets) in Manhattan’s Financial District. Free guided tours are offered from Monday to Friday.

Location: 26 Wall Street, New York City, New York
Phone: 212-825-6990

Click here to visit Federal Hall official website.