The original Federal Hall building at 26 Wall Street was the site of some of the most important events in the early history of the United States. When it was built in 1700, it served at New York’s second City Hall. It also was the site where newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was tried and imprisoned for libel in 1735. His case helped to establish freedom of the press, which was later put in writing in the Bill of Rights in 1789.
Though the structure was the site of a host of important events such as where the Northwest Ordinance–which prohibited slavery in future states–was established, the most significant was George Washington’s inauguration in 1789. Federal Hall was the meeting place of the 1st Continental Congress in 1789, and the first thing they did was count the votes as Washington as the first President of the United States.
In 1812, this historic structure was demolished and replaced with the current building, which is one of the most exceptional examples of classical architecture in the city. Though the original building is gone, the original balcony floor and railing where Washington was inaugurated are on display inside. The current structure was designed by American sculptor and architect John Frazee and opened in 1842. The Doric columns and domed ceiling resemble the Greek Parthenon and the Roman Pantheon as tribute to Greek Democracy and to the Roman Republic.
The bronze statue of Washington that stands on the front steps was designed by John Quincy Adams Ward in 1882 and marked the approximate site where the President was inaugurated.
The Federal Hall Memorial became a New York City Landmark in 1965.
| 1700 | Federal Hall is built |
| 1735 | John Peter Zenger is tried for libel |
| 1787 | Northwest Ordinance is passed |
| 1789 | First Continental Congress meets in Federal Hall |
| 1789 | George Washington is inaugurated as first President of the US on Federal Hall balcony |
| 1812 | Original building is demolished and replaced with current structure |
| 1842 | Current structure opens to the public |
| 1882 | Bronze statue of Washington is installed |
| 1965 | Federal Hall Memorial becomes a landmark |
| tidbit | George Washington |
| sight | Trinity Church |
| wiki | Federal Hall |