Americans will always remember the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, and New Yorkers are at the forefront of those memories. While these memories can be difficult and saddening, it is important for Americans to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost in the senseless terrorist attack. If you are visiting New York and want to experience a somber but powerful moment, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is something you should strongly consider.
Why it Was Built
The Memorial Museum is dedicated to the 2,977 people who were killed in the attacks on September 11th, 2001. It was built to honor their memories and to serve as a reminder of the events that took place.
The New World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is the new building that has been put in the place where the original Twin Towers once stood. It is a beautiful modern structure, stranding 1776 feet tall with 104 stories above ground, making it the tallest building in the United States and in the Western Hemisphere. Construction on the tower began in 2006 after many different plans were unveiled and one was ultimately agreed upon. The official opening date of the building was November 3, 2014, with its first tenant being the magazine publishing company Condé Nast.
Today, One World Trade Center is a bustling business center, with many legal and financial firms occupying units in the building. There are also several tourist attractions within, including a three-story observation deck on floors 100-102. This provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan and New Jersey. There are also restaurants and educational exhibits located in the observatory.
The New Subway Station
The Cortlandt Street subway station near the World Trade Center site was destroyed during the attacks of 9/11. After 17 years of construction, the station finally reopened in September of 2018. The new station is a clean, modern subway station that required over 1200 feet of new subway track to be built on both sides. It has considerable updates including wheelchair access and air conditioning for the hot days of summer. There is a new piece of art from Ann Hamilton entitled Chorus, which contains snippets of text from the Declaration of Independence and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The station is conveniently located at the corner of Church and Dey street, allowing easy access to the World Trade Center and providing connections to Manhattan’s West Side. The station is serviced by the 1 Train.
About Lower Manhattan
One World Trade Center is located in Lower Manhattan, which is the central business district for all of New York City. However, it isn’t just banks and law firms down there. Plenty of options exist for entertainment, dining, and sightseeing. Since the attacks in 2001, the residential population of the neighborhood has tripled, encouraging businesses to pop up that cater to the needs of residents, workers, and tourists alike. Whether you enjoy taking in magnificent views, spending time in beautiful parks, or finding the best restaurants, there is undoubtedly something for you in Lower Manhattan.
What to do in Lower Manhattan
Once you’ve visited One World Trade and taken in its breathtaking views of New York City, there are many options available for you and your family. Consider some of these activities if you want to truly experience the culture and vibe of the neighborhood.
· Take a Walking Tour – There are multiple walking tours of the neighborhood available, and you have the choice of paying for a guide or taking a self-guided audio tour. You’ll be taken to the area once known as Dutch New Amsterdam, where many of the city’s first buildings were erected. There is plenty of history about the formation of America to be learned on these tours, and you’ll certainly walk away with a better understanding of how the country was started.
· Visit Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange – Wall Street is one of the most prolific business and financial centers in the world, and you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t at least get a look at the place that helps keep the world’s economy running. Although the days of trading floors packed with screaming traders are long gone thanks to online accessibility to markets, you’ll still get to experience the hustle and bustle of New York working life. Make sure to get a look at the Charging Bull statue!
· Visit Castle Clinton – This famous fort was built in 1811 due to fear that the British were going to invade the United States. The purpose was to protect the most vulnerable and accessible point of Manhattan. However, with America winning the war of 1812, the fort was never needed for military action and was converted into an entertainment center. Today, it is a great place to get away from the modern side of New York City for a bit while taking in some interesting historic facts.
· Stop by St. Paul’s Chapel – This is the only colonial church still standings in the entire city, and it has been in use since it was first built. In fact, George Washington came here to pray after his presidential inauguration in 1789. It miraculously survived the attacks of 9/11 despite being located across the street from the Twin Towers.
· Grab a meal at Adrienne’s Pizzabar – You can’t visit New York without eating pizza, and Adrienne’s Pizzabar is an excellent restaurant to bring your family. They have everything from basic cheese pizzas for the kids to vodka sauce shrimp penne for the parents.
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