Federal Hall: Birthplace of American Government

Federal Hall, located on Wall Street in Manhattan, is where George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States in 1789. This site, initially a colonial-era City Hall, became the nation’s first capitol building, where the Bill of Rights was proposed and significant early government proceedings took place.

The current structure, built in 1842 after the original was demolished, serves as a National Memorial. It features a grand rotunda, historical exhibits, and a museum that narrates the story of American democracy’s early days, including the Senate Chamber where senators once deliberated.

The hall’s significance extends beyond these historical events; it’s a symbol of the ideals of liberty and governance upon which the nation was founded. Events like naturalization ceremonies held here continue to celebrate those principles, connecting past and present in the heart of America’s financial district.

Federal Hall stands as a testament to New York’s pivotal role in the birth of the United States, reminding visitors of the city’s deep roots in American political history.