Federal Hall
Park Historic New York building where U.S. government began
In Lower Manhattan, Federal Hall marks the site where George Washington took the presidential oath and Congress met under the first Constitution. Visitors tour exhibits about the early republic, finance and the building’s role in American founding events.
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Federal Hall is a historic site and national memorial located on Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, New York City, on the site of the first U.S. Capitol. The location is notable as the place where George Washington took the presidential oath of office in 1789 and where the First Congress met.
The existing Greek Revival building on the site was constructed in the mid-19th century and formerly served federal fiscal functions before becoming a memorial. The site now contains exhibits and interpretive displays about the founding era of the United States, the Constitution, and early federal government institutions.
Federal Hall is operated by the National Park Service and provides visitor information, displays, and occasional public programs focused on U.S. political history. The building sits directly on Wall Street across from the New York Stock Exchange.
The site is in Manhattan’s Financial District, within walking distance of Battery Park and other Lower Manhattan landmarks.
- Historic site: Site of George Washington's first presidential inauguration in 1789 and of the first United States Congress; the present building dates to the mid-19th century.
- Administration: Administered by the National Park Service as Federal Hall National Memorial, with exhibits about early U.S. government and the Constitution.
How to Get to Federal Hall #
Federal Hall is located at 26 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, on Wall Street between Broadway and Nassau. The closest subway is Wall Street (2 and 3 lines) at Broadway & Wall St; the building is immediately adjacent to that station. The Fulton Street transit complex (many lines) is also within a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Federal Hall #
- Federal Hall National Memorial is located on Wall Street opposite the New York Stock Exchange-enter from the Wall Street side to view the exterior Washington statue and the small interior exhibition efficiently.
- Plan a visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds from the financial‑district lunch rush and peak tourist times.
- Allow time for the short but information‑dense interior exhibits about George Washington's inauguration and early federal government; many visitors snap exterior photos and skip the upstairs displays.
Best Time to Visit Federal Hall #
Best visited early morning or late afternoon, and consider weekends for a generally quieter experience at this indoor historic site.
Weather & Climate near Federal Hall #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1193 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
