December 1, 2003 -- Lower Manhattan continues the difficult rebuilding process following the events of September 11, 2001. Last week saw the reopening of the Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) commuter train station at the World Trade Center site and the start of a new free downtown shuttle bus service - making it easier to get to and around the area. The shuttle takes an odd, snaky U-shaped route along the perimeter of lower Manhattan offering an easier way to take in the sights of this historically rich district.
To see those sights on foot, however, we suggest following the Patriot Trail, a free self-guide tour put together by the Alliance for Downtown New York. The tour begins, ideally, one block east of the World Trade Center site at Broadway and Vesey Street. Stops along the route include famed Saint Paul's Chapel built in 1766, the Federal Reserve Bank which has more gold bullion than Fort Knox, Federal Hall where George Washington was sworn in as the nation's first president in 1789, the New York Stock Exchange, Fraunces Tavern where Washington gave his splendid Farewell Address in 1783, Bowling Green Park, and Trinity Church where Alexander Hamilton is buried. The Downtown Alliance sponsors a free Wall Street Walking Tour.
You can pick up the new Patriot Trail guide at information centers throughout New York City, including the visitor kiosk at City Hall Park and in many hotels. You can also download and print a PDF file of the trail at www.downtownny.com/files/patriot%20trail.pdf. For more information on lower Manhattan, visit www.downtownny.com.
Have you been to Lower Manhattan recently? Please tell us about your experiences on our New York Message Boards.