I’M A TOURIST IN MY OWN CITY

I’ve often been asked, “How can you live in New York City?” To which I say, “How can I not?” The city has always had its share of bad publicity — some of it might be rightfully deserved! However, the pluses definitely outweigh the minuses. As a born-and-bred New Yorker, I still explore areas that, perhaps, I’ve been to before; or maybe not.

Where was your latest trek?

It was on a beautifully crisp autumn day that I grabbed the subway* and headed uptown to visit HAMILTON GRANGE, the preserved home of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, completed in 1802. The fact that the home was actually uprooted and moved twice before made my visit all the more special. The home is in its current location in St. Nicholas Park, in Harlem, since 2012.

*Yes, I do take the subway. It’s my go-to mode of transportation. I am the “human periscope” with eyes 👀 on all sides of my head!

Where uptown is Hamilton Grange and what was the area like back then?

It is in Harlem — more specifically, Hamilton Heights on West 141st Street. In the early nineteenth century, Harlem was open countryside with farms and an occasional house dotting the landscape. Hamilton had purchased thirty-four acres there.

Why did Hamilton choose that particular location?

He chose the area as a respite for him and his family, which consisted of his beloved wife, Eliza, and their eight children (one of whom was adopted). Hamilton would commute from his workplace in the city (today’s financial district). I imagine that it would have taken quite a while to get up there since the mode of transportation was horse and buggy on dirt roads.

How long did he live at the Grange?

Sadly, Hamilton only lived to enjoy his home for two years. He was gunned down in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. Eliza Hamilton continued to live at the Grange for about another thirty years.

How long was your tour of the Hamilton Grange?

I signed up with a Park Ranger and the tour was about one-half hour. It was a combination of guided and self-guided tour. There is also an exhibit room with very interesting and concise information. In addition, there is a room showing two films — one on Hamilton himself and the other shows the actual removal of the home from one place to another.