5. 17th Century Tavern Remnants

At 85 Broad Street part of New York’s colonial past can be found peeking through the modern streets of the Financial District. Covered by glass and surrounded by brass railings you’ll find the remnants of Governor Lovelace’s Tavern. The tavern dates back to around 1670 and was uncovered during an excavation of the site in 1979. The establishment was owned by the governor at the time, Colonel Francis Lovelace. For a few years, the tavern function as a second city hall of sorts until a new city hall was built in 1700. Unfortunately, like most of the buildings from its time, the tavern burned down and eventually the land was taken over by the growing merchant district.

Today, passersby can still see the foundation walls of the former structure through a glass covered opening in the sidewalk. For another glimpse back at colonial New York, you’ll only need to walk about 100 feet away to visit the historic Fraunces Tavern.