St. Paul’s Chapel was built between 1764 and 1766 and officially opened in 1766. It was established as an outreach center for Trinity Church’s growing congregation. The Great Fire of 1776 destroyed the original Trinity Church, but the chapel survived. The congregation made this their main prayer spot, with congregants including George Washington, who stopped here after his inauguration as president. This is the only surviving Colonial-era church in the city.
Located near the World Trade Center, the chapel survived the attacks on September 11, 2001, and was a place of respite for first responders.
Historical Marker Inscription
Landmarks of New York
St. Paul’s Chapel
This famous example of Georgian architecture built 1764-1766, with spire and portico added 1794-1796, is the only church structure surviving the Colonial era of New York City. The design by Thomas McBean closely followed that of St. Martin. In the fields by James Gibbs, President Washington was a regular attendant following his inauguration in 1789 when New York was the national capital.
Place erected 1997 by
The New York Community Trust
Location
40° 42’ 40.302” N, 74° 0’ 31.390” W
214 Broadway, New York, NY 10038, United States
Historical Markers of the World 