The history of the island of Manhattan is intertwined with the story of the birth and growth of the United States. Conveniently for visitors, much of Manhattan's rich history is confined to a small walkable area around Wall Street.

From the center of American capitalism to the site of the first presidential oath of office, lower Manhattan is brimming with history. Visitors often flock to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, located in the harbor and reachable by ferry, but many don't realize the fundamental importance this tiny area had on the very origin of the country.