Take a trip through the most historic district in New York City! Visit a city torn apart by ethnic, economic and political differences, a city on the verge of its own civil war.
NYC's ONLY Civil War Era Tour!
As we walk we'll imagine the city as it was in the 1850's and 1860's, a city filled with contradictions, whose promise of success drew masses of poor immigrants and wealthy investors alike.
We'll add to the realism of your experience by using samples of newspapers, political cartoons, drawings and photographs.
NYC's ONLY Civil War Era Tour!
- Learn about New York's meteoric rise to the wealthiest port city in the world and what the city's gold traders did to get kicked out of the NY Stock Exchange.
- Hear about NYC's changing role in the Civil War, from opposition to President Lincoln's policies to supporting and financing the war effort.
- Visit historic sites like Delmonics's Restaurant, Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel.
- We'll discuss the abolitionist publisher of the NY Tribune, Horace Greeley; Reverend Henry Ward Beecher, the pastor who displayed John Brown's chains to his congregation at the Broadway Tabernacle; Daniel Sickles, the first to claim temporary insanity as a defense of murder, and many more..
As we walk we'll imagine the city as it was in the 1850's and 1860's, a city filled with contradictions, whose promise of success drew masses of poor immigrants and wealthy investors alike.
We'll add to the realism of your experience by using samples of newspapers, political cartoons, drawings and photographs.
Meeting Location
Downtown - Near Battery Park (New York, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I need to purchase a ticket for my child?
- This tour is not suitable for children.
- How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
- The tour moves at a moderate pace. We stop frequently for storytelling and sight seeing.
- Is this tour wheelchair- and stroller-accessible?
- Yes. During the week the area we walk through is often crowded with people and traffic. If you're uncomfortable in these conditions it would be better to take the tour on a weekend, if possible.
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour ends in City Hall Park. From there you can get on the subway or Sightseeing buses. South Street Seaport is only a short distance away, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and places to grab a snack.
- Are there restrooms along the way?
- Yes.
- Will there be opportunities to get a beverage or a snack while on the tour?
- Yes. Many of the areas where we stop have street vendors. You are welcome to try the cart fare at these stops.
- Are there places to sit and rest?
- Yes. We stop in a number of locations that have benches. You can sit and relax while you listen to the guide.
- Can I ask questions?
- Yes! Questions are always welcome. Ask away.
- Is picture taking allowed in St. Paul's Chapel?
- Yes, except when a service is in progress.
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa or Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.
- Are private tours available?
- While private tours can be arranged, most people enjoy the public tours even more! If you have a particular area of interest, just let us know while booking your ticket, and we'll likely be able to talk about that subject on the tour, for the enjoyment of the whole group. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please email us by clicking on the "Contact PatriotTours" link.
- What happens if it rains or snows?
- The tour runs rain or shine, but does not run in severe weather. If we are forced to cancel the tour due to inclement weather, you will be able to reschedule to another date or receive credit for a future event.
Patriot Tours
Patriot Tours, Inc. specializes in daily historic tours that focus on specific eras of New York City's past. We have been conducting tours since Spring, 2005. Meticulous research is done for all of our tours. Every event is true and every person is real. Stories are taken from newspaper and eyewitness accounts, as well as historic texts. Our research is ongoing so that we may continue to refine and improve our tours.
(Our guides are licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and have passed the required Sightseeing Guide Exam.)
(Our guides are licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and have passed the required Sightseeing Guide Exam.)
