New York City has a rich history, beginning with the early Dutch settlements, continuing on t monumental feats of architecture. Driving through the Big Apple in your New York car rental will take you past many monuments of both city and national pride. From Lady Liberty to Battery Park and Fort Edward, NYC is proud of its place in American history. It would be impossible to list all of the possible historic tourist locations in New York on one webpage, but AAMCAR has done their best to assemble a diverse list of attractions. From the beautiful to the tragic, New York has played a major role in the history of America and world!
Forts
New York is home to many historic forts and villages which have now been turned into museums and historical organizations in hopes of preserving the past. Fort Edward, Fort Ticonderoga and Fort William Henry (the site of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel “The Last of the Mohicans”) are all located in New York, making for great educational road trips with the kids in your New York car rental.
The Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty stands proudly over the New York Harbor on Liberty Island, but many are unaware of her historical significance! This gigantic statue was given to the United States as a gift of international friendship from France. Over time she has come to represent a symbol of political freedom and democracy worldwide. A visit to the Big apple just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Statue of Liberty, so make sure to schedule an excursion in your New York car rental!
Ellis Island
Between 1892 and 1954 approximately 12 million steerage and low class steamship passengers immigrated to the US, taking their first steps as free citizens on Ellis Island. After extensive restoration, Ellis island has be re-opened as a museum dedicated to the history of immigration and the important role it has played in American history.
Museums
New York City is home to some of the world’s greatest museums. Whether you’re interested in art, ancient civilizations or technological advancements, New York has a museum for you! From the Guggenheim to the Metropolitan you’ll find artifacts and exhibits showcasing not only New York history, but the history or America and even the world! So take a day and visit on of New York’s fine museums in your New York car rental; the experience is bound to be both fun and educational!
Ground Zero
No one will forget the tragedy of September 11th, 2001; the day the New York City skyline was changed forever. The area of surrounding rubble is now referred to as “Ground Zero” and will soon become home to one of the world’s most beloved memorial and historic sites. This future site will acknowledge the brave men and women who lost their lives that fateful day, and will forever stand as a reminder of the devastating effects of terrorism.
The South Street Seaport
The South Street Seaport has long been one of New York’s most prized possessions. From it’s bumpy cobblestone street to its booming industry of restored shops, the South Street Seaport is a great example of a wonderfully preserved historic district. The port along with the South Street Seaport Maritime Museum have made sure that this slice of New York City life continues to be remembered, so hop in your New York car rental and check out the bustling seaside community.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue is the largest catholic cathedral in the United States. St. Patrick’s Cathedral features two soaring 330 foot spires it ranks among the cities most spectacular architectural sights. The neo-gothic structure was built between 1850 and 1878, boasting a seating capacity of 2 500 along with numerous altars and stained glass windows.
New York offers a wide variety of historic monuments commemorating its vital role in American history. Learning about New York’s past is a great way to kick start you’re Big Apple vacation so be sure to schedule an afternoon of historic site seeing!