Federal Hall National Memorial: History and Architecture
This paper examines the Federal Hall National Memorial at 26 Wall Street in New York City, tracing its history from the original colonial-era City Hall through its demolition in 1812 and the construction of the current Greek Revival building opened in 1842. The paper discusses the building's constitutional and political significance as the site of George Washington's first inauguration and the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the architectural contributions of designers Alexander Jackson Davis, Ithiel Town, and John Frazee, ongoing restoration efforts, and recent artistic programming including a loan exhibition from Florence's Uffizi Gallery.
- Overview and Historical Significance: Origins and national importance of Federal Hall
- Current Modifications and Renovation: Renovation projects and exhibitions at the memorial
- The Current Structure: 1842 Custom House design and architectural symbolism
- Alexander J. Davis: Biography and legacy of the building's architect
- Building Details and Architecture: Greek Revival design features and construction details
- Artistic Updates at Federal Hall: Recent cultural programming and Uffizi Gallery loan
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper integrates multiple source types — architectural guides, art history timelines, and newspaper articles — to build a well-rounded account of the building's history and significance.
- It moves logically from the original colonial structure through demolition, reconstruction, and modern use, giving readers a clear chronological framework.
- Brief but precise architectural details (Doric columns, domed ceiling, brick vaulting) demonstrate engagement with the physical structure beyond mere historical narrative.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates effective use of source-attributed factual reporting. Each major claim — dates, architectural credits, historical events — is tied to a cited source, modelling the basic scholarly habit of evidencing assertions rather than stating them as general knowledge.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with an overview of the site's historical and political importance, then moves through renovation updates, the current structure's architectural description, a biographical section on architect Alexander J. Davis, a detailed analysis of the building's design, and closes with recent cultural programming. This topical sectioning allows readers to navigate discrete aspects of the memorial without losing the broader historical thread.
Overview and Historical Significance
Before the construction of the classic columned building by Town & Davis, New York City Hall was located at 26 Wall Street. That structure later became known as Federal Hall. The Bill of Rights was ratified by the Congress of America in this building, and the first presidential oath was taken by George Washington here as well. Although Federal Hall was demolished in 1812, the stone slab upon which Washington stood is still preserved in the rotunda of the present building. A statue of Washington stands outside. Today, 26 Wall Street is maintained as the Federal Hall Museum and Memorial by the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service as a symbol of honor to America's first President and to the founding of the United States (Craven).
Works Cited
Craven, Jackie. About.com. "Walking Down Wall Street." Retrieved November 22, 2013.
New York Architecture. "Federal Hall National Memorial." Retrieved November 22, 2013. http://www.nyc-architecture.com/LM/LM050-FEDERALHALL.htm
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved November 23, 2013. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/davs/hd_davs.htm
Dunlap, David W. "Federal Hall Is Uplifted, First by Steel, Then by Art; Paintings from the Uffizi to Arrive." The New York Times, 2004. Retrieved November 24, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/18/nyregion/federal-hall-uplifted-first-steel-then-art-paintings-uffizi-arrive.html
Smith, K. George. Source Book of American Architecture: 500 Notable Buildings from the 10th Century to the Present. Princeton Architectural Press, 1996.
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