About this Event
While New York is a city continually changing and evolving in almost every aspect, it's hard to top the upheaval of the1830s. Between the worst fire in New York City history to absolute pandemonium surrounding Moving Day — when all NYC leases expired simultaneously — it was truly one of the city's wildest periods. It's time to hit the streets and uncover the stories and remnants of 1830s New York like never before.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore lower Manhattan and the notable sights and scandals of 1830s New York, with a close look at 1835 and how a single year forever changed New York City in big ways.
Led by James Scully — NYC tour guide and director / co-creator of the award-winning historical audio fiction soap opera, Burning Gotham — our unique experience will include:
- An overview of New York City in the 1830s and why this period of social, political, and geographical upheaval is so underserved
- A trip to important landmarks in the neighborhood dating back to the 1830s including Fraunces Tavern, Bowling Green, and South Street Seaport
- Some of the big news stories that were the talk of the town, including why the United States was on the verge of war with France, the lack of clean running water in New York, and NYC’s Penny Papers orchestration of the greatest hoax of the 19th century
- A visit to one of Manhattan's most historic chapels, along with the site where John Jacob Astor built the City's largest hotel in 1836
- The full scoop surrounding the Great Fire (December 16, 1835), the worst fire in New York City history, which destroyed everything in Manhattan's chief merchant district (and caused the modern equivalent of $500 million in damage) — while an investigation ensued, no public blame was ever assigned
Our experience will conclude on historic Pearl Street in front of the Killarney Rose, an Irish tavern with food and drinks available for purchase.
See you there!
*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking
**This tour does not go inside any buildings on the route
***This tour concludes at 127 Pearl Street
About James
James Scully is an outgoing native New Yorker who grew up in a home with three generations of family. He had close relationships with both his grandparents and great-grandparents, being exposed to an invaluable amount of local culture. It has helped him become a passionate actor, writer, director, and historian. He’s a graduate of Xavier High School in Manhattan, Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and has spent over a decade working in media for companies such as Condé Nast, and Hearst.
James is behind Breaking Walls, a docu-podcast on the history of American network radio broadcasting. He’s directed, post-produced, adapted, and acted in scripted audio fiction productions and is an actor in the Fireside Mystery Theatre troupe. He’s also a Salmagundi Club member and mentor with The Podcast Academy
Testimonials
"Great info, engaging guide" -Brenda
"Guide had a lot of knowledge to share" -James
"Unique perspective with supporting evidence on the great fire of 1835 and a conspiracy about it." -Jacob
"So much information to pack into 90 minutes! Also, the guide was great and super engaging. Everything was spot on. Well done!" -Leah
"James is very knowledgeable and charming" -Frank
"Informative, fun" -Glenn
"So much information and history" -Rhonda
"Our guide was EXTREMELY knowledgeable. Very friendly and engaging" -Cynthia
Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House (Outside), 1 Bowling Green, New York, United States
USD 36.81
