5) Federal Hall, New York City
The original building that served as the first capitol of the United States in 1787, was built between 1699 and 1703. Facing south towards Wall Street, George Washington’s inauguration, as President of the United States, was held on its balcony in April of 1789. It was also the site of where the First Congress of the United States introduced the Bill of Rights. The original building was Georgian style architecture constructed of red brick. It was demolished in 1812. The Federal Hall National Memorial was constructed in its place, in Greek Revival architecture made from marble, in 1842. It served as the U.S. Customs House, and later as a sub-Treasury building. That’s the building you will see if you visit the site. It’s now operated as a national memorial by the National Parks service and is still considered an historic landmark of New York City.
