Founding New York

Service Description

What was here before Wall Street became the heart of global finance? Who ruled over this land before America had presidents—or even a name? On this walking tour through Lower Manhattan, we uncover the people, conflicts, and ideas that shaped New York City between 1600 and 1800. You’ll follow the footsteps of explorers, rebels, pirates, and patriots as we ask: What really happened when Henry Hudson tried (and failed) to find a route to India? Why did the Dutch build a wall, and how did it lead to a street that would one day move markets around the world? What triggered a violent war with Indigenous people in the West Village—and how did it spiral into a disaster for New Amsterdam? Who raised the first toast to liberty in a tavern that still stands today? How did a British fort, a trading company, and a church become foundations of American identity? This isn't just a stroll through cobblestone streets—it's a journey into the chaotic, conflicted, and deeply human story of how New York was founded. Join us as we explore secrets hiding in plain sight, from buried forts to forgotten revolutions—because to understand New York today, you have to know what came first.