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NYC historic Upper ManhattanExploring Fort Tryon Park, the Cloisters, Trinity Cemetery and moreNew York City's Upper Manhattan has historic ties to the American Revolution war for independence. Here are tips to visiting some of the places used during this period.
Quick factsThis area, comprising the neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Inwood, runs from 220th street to 125th street and is bordered by the Hudson, Harlem, and East Rivers. Upper Manhattan becomes much thinner towards the top but has steep cliffs and varying terrain. The population is a mix from an enclave of Jews around Fort Tryon Park where Yeshiva University is as well as Dominicans and young professionals. Fort Tryon Park and the CloistersOne of the most beautiful parks in New York and the highest elevation point in Manhattan has dramatic cliffs, old leafy trees, and meandering paths. This area, a strategic lookout point during the war for independence, was once called Fort Washington and there are still remnants of military posts throughout the park. A wonderful terraced Heather Garden is the first thing you'll see when you enter the park. It's definitely worth it to walk around because the plants and flowers are beautiful and the view overlooks the Hudson River and New Jersey's Palisades. The Cloisters, the medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is in the middle of this park and is easily reached by a stroll down the paved pathways. Admission is included in the Met price. Inwood Hill ParkThis park is part of the original forest that once covered Manhattan. There are many pathways to hike around and there are numerous free guided walks and tours during the spring and summer. Trinity CemeteryFor history and architecture buffs the cemetery and surrounding grounds house the remnants of New York's societal past in Neo-Gothic, Victorian and American Vernacular styles. The land housing the Trinity grounds was used as a part of the battleground during the revolution. After the war various private parties owned the land and the last private owner was James Audubon. Audubon leased part of his land to the Trinity parish. The cemetery nowadays is the resting place for Audubon among others such as Clement Clarke Moore, author of "A visit from Saint Nicholas." Morris-Jumel MansionNew York's oldest house, originally built by British Colonel Roger Morris, was used by General George Washington as his headquarters during the revolution. It changed hands over the years following the war and was eventually restored to its original purpose as a country house by owners Stephen and Eliza Jumel. It is now a museum showcasing period furniture and historical facts about the estate. Getting thereFort Tryon Park and the Cloisters: take the A train to 190th. Inwood Hill Park: Take the A train to 207th. Trinity Cemetery: Take the 1 train to 155th. Morris-Jumel Mansion: Take the C train to 163rd. More Upper West Side info: Central Park More neighborhood info-NoLIta: Elizabeth Street -West Village: Greenwich Avenue NYC Summer: Local beaches More NYC: Free sights
The copyright of the article NYC historic Upper Manhattan in New York Travel is owned by Lisa Schroeder. Permission to republish NYC historic Upper Manhattan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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