For more than a century Trinity Church dominated the New York City skyline. The first Trinity was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776 during the Revolution. Rebuilt in 1790, the second version collapsed under the weight of a heavy snowstorm in 1839. When the current Trinity was completely rebuilt in 1846, it was the tallest building in the United States. It kept that title until 1890.
Steeped in history from colonial times through the collapse of the nearby Twin Towers, Trinity endures. George Washington attended services here. Alexander Hamilton was a parishioner, his pew number 92. Surrounded by skyscrapers, which now dwarf the once tallest building, this is a tranquil peaceful place to take a stroll, ponder history and look at the gravestones of our forefathers.
Amongst the gravestones at Trinity you will find much of the "original" cast of the hit musical Hamilton. You will find Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler Church and Hercules Mulligan. Phillip Hamilton is there too, but he is unmarked. If further interest in Hamilton strikes you, you can visit nearby Fraunces Tavern where Burr and Hamilton met just before preparing for their duel. You can grab a bite to eat as it is still a restaurant.
Heading north you can visit Hamilton's portrait by John Trumbull at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Further uptown you can visit Hamilton's former country estate, The Grange.
Back then his home was way out in the country, but now it is a subway ride away. The Grange is run by the National Parks, so tours are available.
Across the Hudson River in Weehawken, New Jersey you can visit the dueling site for a stunning view of the current skyline of New York.
You won't find Aaron Burr in NYC, as he is buried alongside his father and grandfather in Princeton, New Jersey.
Take a walk with Birkenstock.
photo credit Amber Harden
