Origins of New York: From the Statue of Liberty to Battery Park

Battery Park is best known as the jumping-off point for visits to the Statue of Liberty. Before boarding your boat, learn the history and context you’ll need to get the most from your visit. Gifted by France, the statue was almost relegated to crates due to lack of funds to erect her, until NYC came to the rescue. Your guide will meet you at Pier A Harbor House then take you for a stroll along the river. The views of the river and the Statue of Liberty are certainly a highlight, but the history packed into this stretch of green space is the star of the show. This tour's itinerary takes you through some of the most momentous events of 20th-century American history by way of the monuments in Battery Park. From famous spots like the WWII Memorial and Korean War Monument to overlooked gems like Castle Clinton and the US Customs House, your guide will teach you something new about the history of New York City and America. Sites Visited: - Coast Guard statue - American Merchant Mariner’s Memorial - Korean War monument - Castle Clinton - Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island view point, historic map - Urban Garden initiative - Immigrant Memorial - WWII Memorial - Seaglass Carousel - Seton House - US Customs House