In 1625, Dutch settlers founded New Amsterdam on a stretch of land that would eventually grow into one of the world’s most famous and populous cities. New York was briefly the fledgling nation’s first capital, when the colonies achieved independence from England in 1776. (...)
In 1625, Dutch settlers founded New Amsterdam on a stretch of land that would eventually grow into one of the world’s most famous and populous cities. New York was briefly the fledgling nation’s first capital, when the colonies achieved independence from England in 1776. Since that time, lower Manhattan, the site of the early settlement, has continued to be a vibrant center of commerce, arts, and culture. It is defined as the 3.9 square kilometers of New York City that extend below 14th Street to New York Harbor and is a rich urban environment that includes 65 landmarks within six historic districts. On September 11, 2001, terrorists struck at the heart of this remarkable area, claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 people and destroying the twin towers and adjacent buildings at the World Trade Center, and severely damaging numerous structures in lower Manhattan. In the aftermath of tragedy, the historic district of Lower Manhattan was in great need of recovery and reconstruction.
