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The City Hall which exists today is the third one of its
kind. Constructed from 1803-1812, it had undergone many
renovations during its long existence. It was at this time
that DeWitt Clinton was the Mayor of New York, after whom
Castle Clinton in Battery Park
was named.
As Recently as 1998 the roof had undergone yet another
restoration. The original copper roof was installed in 1811,
replaced in 1853, replaced again in 1858 due to a fire and
then worked on in 1970. Other more recent work done on City
Hall included the clock tower atop City Hall's roof which
had been refurbished and an extensive cleaning of the building's
exterior.
See this little film New
Yorkled had taken in the park down there: Fountain
at City Hall Park VIDEO
In the fall of 1999 City Hall Park was reopened/rededicated
by our Mayor. After quite a bit of restoration. Parts of
this park were restored to the condition or at least appearance
they had in the 18th-19th centuries. Now, as far as good
looking parks go, this certainly has its charm. You've got
beautiful lanterns surrounding the gorgeous fountain. The
Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain, removed from City Hall Park and
transported to the Bronx's Crotona Park in 1920, had been
restored and returned here. It replaces the Delacorte Fountain
which had been donated by George Delacorte in celebration
of the completion of the Croton Aqueduct which once stood
where our Main NY Public Library stands today.
At night and during the day, you'll see the four gas bronze
candelabras, which are replicas of lamps dating back to
the 1850's. They're really something else! Just south of
the fountain, a medallion within the ground & consisting
of nine granite panels, traces the history of City Hall
Park from its 17th century Dutch origins through the recent
reconstruction. As I understand it, the pedestrian walks
were narrowed down to allow more space for greenery, and
greenery there is! Flowers adorn the sides and entrances
to the park.
I even caught sight of a photo shoot going
on by the fountain recently. Definitely drop by should you
be in the area. Some good picture taking moments.
Getting there by subway:
N, R, 4, 5 & 6 to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge; 2, 3 to
Chambers, Park Place or Fulton Street leaves you reasonably
close; M to Chambers St; A, C & E to Chambers St
Nearby is: South Street Seaport,
Brooklyn Bridge, World
Trade Center, Museum
of the American Indian, Battery
Park, St. Paul's Chapel,
Trinity Church, and much
more. |
