In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer observed Werpoes Village. A Munsee Lenape settlement near the Collect Pond, which served as the main water source during early European settlement. The village had fertile land for crops, and nearby Kalck Hoek contained oyster shell middens. Werpoes was at the southern end of Wequaesgeek Road.

Some archaeologists believe its residents may have sold Manhattan Island to European settlers in 1626, instead of the more commonly referenced northern groups.

A.R. Ohman Map Co. (Creator)Bolton, Reginald Pelham, 1856-1942 (Creator)Ohman, August R. (Creator)Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation (Publisher)

Werpoes

Historian and lawyer James Kaplan asks listeners to use their imaginations as he describes the site of Shearith Israel Synagogue that once stood near 22 William Street. The first synagogue in North America, it was built in 1730. As the surrounding neighborhood - which would become the Financial District - became more industrial, congregants left the site to build synagogues in Greenwich Village and Upper West Side.

 At Bowling Green, Kaplan talks about Evacuation Day, the departure of the British from New York City, and Charging Bull, a popular statue representing the spirit of Wall Street and American capitalism. 

 At the statue of Nathan Hale in City Hall Park, Kaplan discusses Hale's life and significance, and the history of City Hall. 

 Architectural historian Gail Cornell talks about the history of Foley Square and the African Burial Ground. 

Werpoes

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