Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Federal Hall, New York City, In Honor of Veterans Day

Federal Hall, located at 26 Wall Street in New York City, was the first capital of the United States of America and was also the site of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. The original building was demolished in the nineteenth century and replaced by the current structure built 1836-42, which served as the first United States Customs House. When Customs was moved in 1862 the building served as one of six United States Sub-Treasury locations. Millions of dollars of gold and silver were kept in the basement vaults until the Federal Reserve Bank replaced the Sub-Treasury system in 1920. The building was designated as Federal Hall Memorial National Historic Site on May 26, 1939, and redesignated a national memorial on August 11, 1955. The National Park Services operates Federal Hall as a museum and the site is open free to the public from 9-5 on weekdays



Engraving outside Federal Hall Commemorating this as the site of President George Washington's inauguration. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.





A majestic statue of George Washington by J.Q.A. Ward stands on the front steps.







A view of the New York Stock Exchange from the top steps of Federal Hall.



From 1785 to 1790, New York served as the first capital of the brand-new United States of America. It was in Federal Hall that Congress met for the first time, adopted the Bill of Rights, and created the Departments of State, War and Treasury, and the United States Supreme Court.



The building is a beautiful example of Greek Revival style architecture. The rotunda is encircled by massive pillars and an ornate ceiling, and railing on the second-floor terraces.


The main hall.

The rotunda

There are some wonderful exhibits inside of some historical documents from the National Archives and also some memorabilia from the early days of Federal Hall.


Above is an exhibit of memorabilia for the first United States Centennial in 1886.



The shoe buckles from the shoes George Washington wore on his inauguration day.



The most impressive sight of all -- the bible George Washington placed his hand when he took the oath as the United States of America's first president.


In honor of Veteran's Day, I leave you with this beautiful relief on the outside Federal Hall of George Washington kneeling in prayer. It is believed he often prayed for God's guidance for himself, and his troops, when he was General of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. As our finest veteran, he has served as an ideal example for all veterans of duty, honor, and service to our country.


George Washington’s Prayer

"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou will wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to the government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large; and finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Devine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. "

~A Saint Paul’s Chapel Marker Presented by the Women’s Committee of the George Washington-Bulgrave Institution, February 22, 1926.



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59 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Pat, wonderful sights but the most interesting one would be the bible for me. Have a great day ahead..hugs/M

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Pat, this is just awesome. It makes me want to cry for the sheer glory of it all. Thanks for sharing...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Jenny said...

Hi Pat, just amazing. That bibles just speaks to me. And the rotunda. Amazing.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, What a perfect post for Veteran's Day... We all need to remember ---and your post allows us a chance to think about those who went before us --who did so much for us and our country.

God Bless You.
Hugs,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful post and great architecture on those buildings! A lotta history there too... I love visiting your NY City.
~Really Rainey~

Ebie said...

Great tribute Pat for this Veterans Day. You have showed us again the beautiful sights of NYC!

Martha said...

Thanks for sharing -- what a historical place!

sherri@lavenderfields said...

Love your pictures of NewYork! ALways beautiful so steeped in history! Hope you are having a great week, and happy Outdoor Wednesday : ) Sherri

Claudia said...

What an awesome post.

I feel so blessed by our founding fathers. I often think where we would all be had it not been for all the talent and bravery they exemplified.

Im grateful. I loved the Bible too.

Thanks!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Jeanne said...

I want to visit New York!

Rebekah@Red's Nest said...

I just got goose bumps reading your post. You always have great pictures, but that relief of George Washington and his prayer and Bible was just wonderful. I know you love history and so do I. You really bring it to life for me. If only the old politicians could come back to life and teach us all a thing or two - that's all I'll say about that. Blessings.

Sarah said...

This post is so moving! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. I love NY! ~ Sarah

My name is Riet said...

What a most beautiful post. It is so wonderful to be able to learn about America through your eyes and blog. Your photo's are wonderful and everything you tell us is so good to know and remember. Thank you for that

Gracie said...

So that is not the Bible each President swears on? I thought otherwise.........thanks for sharing another bit of American history.

claudie said...

Veterans day is a big one for me Pat. My dad lost both his legs. He was a Canadian.
I adore your beautiful City. I have been many times over.
Happy OW
Love Claudie
xoxo

eileeninmd said...

Interesting post and remembrance for the Veterans. Wonderful photos.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and special building. Thanks for sharing Pat. I think we forget in these modern printing press days just how big the Bible really is. We are so used to reading it on wafer thin pages almost like tissue paper. In the UK you come across family bibles often with family trees written in them. Fabulous historical documents.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Thanks for the very informative tour of New York Federal Hall!

I explored the Jogging trail this time.

Kat said...

Wonderful post Pat! I love learning about New York's rich history through your wonderful photos and writing. I loved the pictures of the old memorabilia. George Washington's shoe buckles, imagine that! And the bible is really impressive. I think it's so special that an incoming President can choose who's bible to swear the oath of office on. The statue is really commanding. You'd think with that reminder looking over them that some of the hijinks would not be taking place on Wall Street! Thanks for another great trip to New York. Kathy

Hootin Anni said...

G W's bible would be a thrill of a lifetime to see it!!!

My O W is a nearby marshland with waterfowl and Autumn colors...and a surprise L N Monster visit!!!

Come by and see

Ciao Chow Linda said...

What a great post and tribute for Veteran's Day. You know I used to walk by that statue almost daily and never went inside. I never knew there was so much to see. Thanks for sharing all these great spots in NYC.

Unknown said...

Hi Pat,
I remember passing these things on our walk in Lower Manhattan! Thanks for the history lesson...there is so much in NYC I missed!

You know what that means. LOL

:) Diane

Ms. Bake-it said...

Hello Pat,

What a great post honoring our veterans on Veteran's Day! Love the Bible and the rotunda! Thank you for sharing the pictures and especially the history!

~ Tracy

SmilingSally said...

What a perfect post for this Veterans' Day, Pat, and what a fine leader George Washington was.

RNSANE said...

Pat, this is a wonderful Veteran's Day post! My friends, who have been so wonderful to me during my stay in Columbus, GA, just left this morning for a long weekend in NY. I will have to call them and make sure they see Federal Hall.

Sea Witch said...

Thank you Pat for this wonderful post. Seeing the Bible that our first president give his oath is moving. I also especially like the plaque and his prayer. As Americans, we need to remember our humble beginnings and that it was through the "faith" of our forefathers that helped birth this nation. Sea Witch

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a wonderful post for Veteran's Day. Thanks so much for sharing this with us today.

Kathleen said...

This is perfect for Veterans Day..and GW prayer needs repeating!
Beautiful, Pat...
Now to the opposite end of the NY spectrum, I took you to a place on the National Registry too..:)

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

What a great tour in honor of Veterans Day. I so enjoyed seeing all of the photos and reading your comments.

Kindly, ldh

Tracy Watier said...

Beautiful images. I'm glad we've gotten away from his ideas of "subordination and obedience to government" as he says in his prayer, but I do understand it was a very different time and his intentions were good and that level of dedication from his troops was absolutely necessary. It's pretty amazing to think of the sacrifices our early patriots made in an effort to create a brand new nation they couldn't be certain would even come about.

happyone said...

A perfect post for Veterans Day.
I always learn something when I visit your blog. It's one of my favorites!
What a great prayer for then and now!

Unknown said...

So New York City was the first capitol of the U.S. I would have guessed Philadelphia, which just goes to prove how much I know. LOL Great post.

♥Mimi♥ said...

What an absolutely beautiful post today. I truly loved the history lesson and, as someone who loves old architecture, THANK YOU! The photos are magnificent!

I got a little blessing today just coming over here to your blog and seeing all of the wonderful photos.

Michelle said...

What an awesome building and it was so interesting to learn all about it..

Happily Retired Gal said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful post on this day of remembrance ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

Just a little something from Judy said...

What did I get teary eyed as I read through this post and saw each picture? Why did George Washington's prayer make my heart skip a beat? Maybe, ust maybe it is because it seems like we are loosing some of it. This is such a wonderful, meaningful post. A post that needs to be shown,and you did it once again, so beautifully. You remembered those who fought to save the very freedoms we cherish so deeply. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Claudia said...

A beautiful tribute and a fitting and moving post for this special day of thanks.

Anonymous said...

I saw that gorgeous building when I was in NYC in September. I loved that Bible too and saw his special pew at St. Paul's. And they want to take prayer out of so many places. Hi Pat, thank you for visiting my White Wednesday today. I hope your weather up there is not as gloomy and wet as our is but I have a feeling yours is the same. :)

LV said...

I have never been to New York, so I truly enjoyed the tour. You did an excellent job on all the history as well. Pleased you stopped off at my place.

Melissa Miller said...

Pata what a wonderful tribute! Thank you for your kindness. :)

Judy said...

What a wonderful Veteran's Day post! So much history, beautiful architecture...and a wonderful prayer for your nation.

Kate said...

Fantasitc photos! Thank you for sharing! What a wonderful tribute to Veteran's Day!

Joyce said...

I so need to get a day to shoot in NY. Your photos really get me in the mood for a field trip. The Madrush Film photos were from a civil War Battle. It's about a troop from Minn. I've always been a Civil War buff and was thrilled to be involved.

Joyce said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hi Pat. What a wonderful post with much history to day along with lovely pictures!
Thank you for popping in to see me and be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

Hey - so cool you found ME, so I could find YOU! Ha! I LOVE New York like you wouldn't believe! Now that I no longer live close enough to visit, I can enjoy it thru you! I don't know what it is, but it is just SO special to me. I'm suffering withdrawals!

PS: come back and comment on my current post for my current giveaway - you had found an old one ...

Kathleen said...

Pat, as always your photos are beautiful and inspiring. Great tour of some wonderful sites. Thanks for sharing.

Tracy said...

Such impressive sights and history... I could just cry... Thank you for this beautifully visual post, Pat :o) ((BIG HUGS))

CatHerder said...

i always LOVE reading your posts....my son will be in Brooklyn Sat and Sun filming the movie...wish i could tag along but i have to work!

Junie Moon said...

A most excellent post honoring veterans. I love all the historical buildings and the awe-inspiring meaning behind each building as well as the archived items.

I stayed home and off the computer yesterday. My family exchanged messages and photos of various family members who have served our country. It was a quietly reflective day.

dianasfaria.com said...

Beautiful post and tribute for the day Mille!
I especially love the sculpture with George W's prayer.

Vanilla Press said...

Hi Pat, thank you for the comment on my blog. Yours is just fab, I love visiting!
Jas

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Great post, as always. Hoo boy howdy, General George is probably not so happy with all that's going on these days in his old neck of the woods on Wall Street!

I love all of the memorabilia and to be honest I never knew that there was an exhibit like that inside. Once again, I have learned from the master. :-)

p.s. I posted the brownie recipe. :-) xo, Laura

Christine Darling said...

Have mercy! Thank you so much for posting on the Brush Dance Facebook page, Pat.

I did some reading and lots of looking at your blog. It's so clear that you love the city. I'm in Orange County, NY, and get down there once every month or so.

Thank you for sharing so much of the city and yourself.

Beverly said...

Okay, Pat. I've been thinking (don't get scared) that you need to publish all of your NYC posts in book form. I feel certain it would be a huge hit. I know I would purchase a copy.

NYC through the eyes of a native! I like it!!!

Joyce said...

Buckles and Bibles from our first President are wonderful heirlooms for our country to possess. I enjoy your photos and history of the buildings in NY. I think next time I come to NY I should meet you and let you give me a tour even if I was born and raised there:)
Joyce

abby jenkins said...

I have lived just outside of Manhattan for most of my life and have never seen it like that before. Thank you! Beautiful photographs. I am so happy to have stumbled upon your blog.

RoeH said...

Wow...I love that Bible. And I'd love more to see it. Incredible!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Pat!

Great Vets Day post! I get so excited when I see photos of the places I saw when in NYC. And way to go Yankees!! How thrilling was that? The ticker tape parade had to be so fun for everyone.

Chris is going to be in NYC over Thanksgiving! Her young cousin is in the Pickerington HS marching band that will be in the Macy's parade and is going with him & his mom to be there with him. I'm so excited for her.

Tell Vinny HI from the Ohio girls!! Hugs, Sherry