“It’s Only a Matter of Time…” Those of us who have relentlessly entered the Hamilton lottery day by day are VERY familiar with this message. I eventually got tired of waiting and purchased some ridiculously overpriced (yet utterly amazing) 4th row seats from StubHub. I got my Hamiltini and settled into Richard Rogers for one of the most fantastic nights of my life. But for those of you who don’t want to dish out half of your life savings on tickets to a show (and want a little bit more than the live recording Disney+ will offer ON JULY 3rd (ANYONE ELSE AS EXCITED AS ME? NO, OKAY), or if you’ve already seen the show and just want more Hamilton, here’s some spots in NYC you can go to get a Hamilton fix!
Fraunces Tavern
“Raise a glass to freedom!” This little tavern is packed with history. Built originally as a house in 1719, it was sold and made into a tavern in 1762. The tavern was a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty and was the site of George Washington’s farewell dinner in 1783. Hercules Mulligan was a known regular and Hamilton and Burr attended at least one meeting at the tavern as well. Today it is a museum and restaurant. The museum is filled with artifacts (even a lock of Washington’s hair!), and the restaurant features a variety of delicious entrees. Don’t forget to go by the tavern and grab a drink. You’ll feel 100% like you’re a part of history.
Colombia University (aka King’s College)
“Meet the latest graduate of King’s College, I prob’ly shouldn’t brag but dag I amaze and astonish.” King’s College was originally founded in 1754 in a room at Trinity Church. The campus was used as a military hospital during the war but was reopened in 1784 as Colombia College. The college moved to its current location in 1897. Today, Hamilton fans can visit the campus and see “Hamilton Hall” and a statue of Hamilton. Even though it’s not where Hamilton originally attended school, its still a great Hamilton themed photo op for fans.
The Hamilton Grange
“You’d like it uptown, it’s quiet uptown”. The Hamilton Grange was completed in 1802. It is Hamilton’s only remaining residence today. The Hamilton’s lived here when Philip died in the duel in 1801. Today, the grange is open to the public as a house and museum. You can see Eliza’s prized bust (that she loved because of its liking to Hamilton), and Hamilton’s desk. The downstairs is a small but informative museum with a short film. There’s also what I like to call the “Hamilton Dream” gift shop where they have all kinds of Hamilton goodies (and you can totally justify buying everything because admission to the grange is free and you’re supporting the national park service!). If you can only see one thing on this list, this is the best one.
Trinity Church
The original Trinity Church was built in 1698. The church had many notable regulars such as Washington, Hamilton, and John Jay. The original buildings underwent many issues such as a fire and other structural problems, and the current church as we know it was built in 1846. Trinity church still holds worship services today and is open daily for visitors. Behind the church is the Trinity Church graveyard, notable individuals buried in the graveyard include Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton, Philip Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, and Hercules Mulligan.
Morris-Jumel Mansion
Built in 1765, the Morris-Jumel Mansion was used by George Washington as his headquarters during the Revolutionary war. In 1810 the house was purchased by Stephen and Eliza Jumel. After Stephen’s death in 1832, Eliza married Aaron Burr who, though the marriage was short lived, lived in the house for a while. Today the house is open to visitors as a museum. One thing to be sure to check out is the armchair where Lin Manuel Miranda sat while he wrote some of Hamilton: An American Musical.
Weehawken Dueling Grounds
“Everything is legal in New Jersey”. Though not technically IN NYC, right across the river in Weehawken, you can check out the site of the Hamilton-Burr duel. Though it’s not dueling grounds anymore, there is a tiny park set up with a nice memorial. Probably the biggest draw is the amazing unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. If you had any doubt about whether or not to make the trek to NJ, the view alone is worth the trip.
Bonus: John Lauren’s Grave - Moncks Corner, SC
Okay so disclaimer this one is NOT in NYC…far from it in fact, but if you happen to find yourself in the Charleston South Carolina area you can swing by Moncks Corner and see the Laurens Family graveyard. John Laurens was killed in the Battle of Combahee River near Charleston in 1782 and is buried in his family cemetery. It’s free and open to the public.
So there you have it. The ultimate NYC bucket list for Hamilton fans. Of course if you’re a true history buff you could also venture out of NY and check out Monticello and Mt. Vernon in Virginia, battle grounds up and down the East coast, and of course the monuments in Washington DC. Sites that relate but aren’t 100% Ham focused. But if you’re in NYC and whether you have tickets to the show and want to make it a Hamilton weekend, you don’t have tickets, or if you’ve already seen it and just can’t get enough Hamilton, hopefully this list will help you find a new place to visit to fuel that Hamilton passion.
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