3. St. Paul’s Chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel, the oldest building in Manhattan, was designed by Thomas McBean and opened in 1766. While designing the building, he used St. Martin in the Fields, a London church designed by James Gibbs, as a template. He was also inspired by the Choragic Monument in Greece.

George Washington went to St. Paul’s before and after he became president and the pew he prayed on during the day of his inauguration still stands in the church. St. Paul’s Chapel is also home to “The Glory,” an alter piece designed by Pierre L’Enfant. Like Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel was an important refuge during 9/11. There is one bench left that remains from 9/11, located in the back room of the chapel, and you can still see the scratches and imprints of relief workers who took rest there.

Learn about these stories are more on our upcoming tour of the 9/11 Memorial area, featured untold stories from the day and the redevelopment of the area:

Untold Stories of 9/11 Walking Tour