American Presidents in NYC (1789-1850)

This was the first Continental Army Headquarters in New York. 

The original City Hall became Federal Hall when it served as the national capitol.  Charles L'Enfant was given the commission.  It was torn down in 1812 because it happened to be in the middle of Wall Street.  The current version is the third building on the site.  

Because Trinity Church had burned down during the Great Fire of 1776, Washington prayed at St Paul's Chapel.

When the U.S. capital was moved to New York City in 1789, George Washington needed a place to live.  In March he wrote to James Madison “I... take the liberty of requesting the favor of you to engage lodgings for me previous to my arrival [in New York City for the inauguration]. “On the subject of lodgings I will frankly declare, I mean to go into none but hired ones—If these cannot be had tolerably convenient... I would take rooms in the most decent Tavern...”  Congress rented the Franklin House for Washington's use for $845 a year, and tasked Samuel Fraunces with fitting it up.  Evidently no expense was spared. purchases made to prepare the mansion for Washington occupancy.  According to Samuel Osgood, 'I went the morning before the General's arrival to look at it. The best of furniture in every room, and the greatest quantity of plate and china I ever saw; the whole of the first and second stories is papered and the floors covered with the richest kinds of Turkey and Wilton carpets. There is scarcely anything talked about now but General Washington and the Palace.'The President-Elect moved in a week before his inauguration. He moved out less than a year later.  

Washington moved to the more spacious James Macomb House which had a better location in early 1790, purchasing much of the furniture of the vacating French Comte de Moustier who was moving back to Paris. 

This statue was commissioned to mark the Centennial of the Inauguration. 

Castle Clinton hosted President James K. Polk.