7. City Hall Park Was Once Used as a Public Execution Site

During the 17th century, the site of City Hall Park was once a communal pasture, where livestock could freely roam. The open green space, known as the Commons, was used as a public execution site during the American Revolution. At that time, the gallows were located near the old Hall of Records, and an estimated 250 prisoners of war were executed behind the soldier’s barracks, whose archaeological remnants are partially below the Tweed Courthouse.