Federal · New York
Federal Hall
Federal Hall and the statue of George Washington. — MusikAnimal
Why Federal Hall Matters
On this spot on Wall Street, the American experiment in self-government began in earnest. George Washington took the first presidential oath of office here on April 30, 1789, the first Congress convened, and the Bill of Rights was drafted and debated within its walls. The original building was later demolished, but the Greek Revival structure that replaced it still stands as a monument to the moment the Constitution's abstract framework became a living government.
By the Numbers
History
- Washington's inauguration
- April 30, 1789
- Bill of Rights
- Drafted here, ratified 1791
- Original building
- Demolished 1812
- Current building
- Built 1834–1842 as a Custom House
Architecture
- Style
- Greek Revival
Monument
- Washington statue
- By John Quincy Adams Ward
Designation
- National Memorial
- Designated 1955
Timeline
- 1700New York's City Hall is built on the site
- 1735John Peter Zenger's trial establishes an early precedent for press freedom
- 1789George Washington takes the first presidential oath on April 30
- 1789James Madison introduces the amendments that become the Bill of Rights
- 1790The national capital relocates to Philadelphia
- 1812The original Federal Hall building is demolished
- 1955Federal Hall National Memorial is designated
Complete History
New York's original City Hall stood on this site from 1700, serving briefly as the meeting place of the Continental Congress and, memorably, the site of John Peter Zenger's 1735 trial establishing a foundation for freedom of the press. When New York became the first capital of the United States under the Constitution, the building was remodeled by architect Pierre L'Enfant and renamed Federal Hall.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on Federal Hall's balcony and took the first presidential oath of office, launching the executive branch under the new Constitution. The First Congress met inside, and it was here that James Madison introduced the amendments that became the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791. New York's tenure as national capital was brief; the government moved to Philadelphia in 1790, and the original Federal Hall was demolished in 1812.
The Greek Revival building on the site today was constructed in 1834-1842 as a U.S. Custom House and later served as a federal subtreasury and part of the Federal Reserve system. A statue of Washington by John Quincy Adams Ward marks the spot on the steps where he is believed to have taken the oath. Congress designated the site Federal Hall National Memorial in 1955, and it is administered by the National Park Service.
Historic Images
Interesting Facts
- George Washington took the first presidential oath of office on this site on April 30, 1789.
- The Bill of Rights was drafted and debated inside the original Federal Hall by the First Congress.
- New York served as the first U.S. capital, but only briefly, before the government moved to Philadelphia in 1790.
- The original building was demolished in 1812; the Greek Revival structure standing today was built decades later as a Custom House.
- A statue of Washington marks the spot on the steps where he is traditionally believed to have taken the oath.
Visiting Today
- Hours
- Open weekdays; closed weekends and federal holidays. Check the NPS site for current hours.
- Admission
- Free.
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings for a quieter visit to the Financial District.
- Nearby
- The New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, and the 9/11 Memorial are all within a short walk.
Photograph the Washington statue on the steps, then step inside for free exhibits on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the first inauguration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the building where Washington was inaugurated still standing?
No. The original Federal Hall was demolished in 1812. The Greek Revival building on the site today was built decades later, but it marks the same historic location.
What was drafted at Federal Hall?
The First Congress met at Federal Hall and drafted the amendments that became the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791.
Was New York City really the U.S. capital?
Yes, briefly. New York served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution from 1789 to 1790, before the government relocated to Philadelphia.
Can you visit Federal Hall today?
Yes. Federal Hall National Memorial is open to the public with free exhibits on the founding era, administered by the National Park Service.
