Episode 1. From the Appian Way to Broadway

By Elizabeth MacaulayBuildings

The art, architecture and culture of Egypt and Classical Antiquity were critical to the development of New York City’s built environment and culture. Take a look at images of Wall Street, NYPL, and the Murray Hill Distributing Reservoir and links to the publications that I referenced. Many of the archaeological publications from the 19th century have been digitized and can be downloaded or browsed for free.

Wall Street

Key buildings: Federal Hall, New York Stock Exchange, J. P. Morgan and Co. Headquarters and the Banker’s Trust Building

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – this tomb was the model for the top of the Banker’s Trust Building. This drawing in the British Museum demonstrates the step-pyramid. The drawing is not accurate, but an artist’s reinterpretation of the ruins.

New York Public Library and the Croton/Murray Hill Distributing Reservoir 

Bibliography and Resources
So many! so little time!
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building – so you can visit the Library’s website!
Archaeological Publications
These early archaeological are such beautiful books in their own right – one can just linger over them, but they are also important references since they show us what ruins and buildings were extant.
The Description of Egypt is the stunningly well illustrated report by the artists and scientists who traveled with Napoleon Bonaparte when he invaded Egypt.
The Antiquities of Athens by James Stuart and Nicholas Revertt was the first publication with detailed drawings of the Greco-Roman antiquities from Athens. It has been republished several times.

The Ruins of Palmyra by Robert Wood brought the antiquities of the Middle East, specifically Palmyra in Syria to a European audience in the mid-18th century.

The Society of the Cincinnati was originally the veterans organization from the War of Independence.
Landmark Reports
All landmarked buildings in New York City have reports, which are searchable. So check out their website for more landmark reports. It’s a great starting place for research.
Federal Hall – the interior of Federal Hall is also landmarked.