Alexander Hamilton was an “obnoxious, arrogant, loudmouth bother,” to hear Aaron Burr sing it in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize–winning musical
So whether you're a hardcore "Hamilfan" or are yearning to get tickets to the show, New York City—Hamilton’s home for his adult life—can serve as one big, interactive history lesson on the founding father. Here’s how to see the real-life version of the show all around NYC.
Uptown locales
1. Columbia University, Morningside Heights
West 116th Street and Broadway
Alexander Hamilton was born on a tiny Caribbean island to a single mother who died when he was 13 years old. From a young age he was an avid reader and demonstrated an impressive intellect. An essay for his local paper
King’s is where Hamilton honed his oratorical and literary skills. He joined the literary Philolexian Society (which is still around today) and wrote popular pamphlets supporting Revolutionary causes, including “
After the American Revolution, Hamilton helped reestablish the school, which was renamed Columbia College. Four of his sons attended and graduated from the university.
What you’ll see: Columbia University doesn’t much resemble what it looked like in Hamilton’s day—after all, back then it was located on Park Place in Lower Manhattan—but if you check out Hamilton Hall (1130 Amsterdam Ave.), you’ll see a statue of the statesman out front.
Morris-Jumel Mansion. Photo: Julienne Schaer
2. Morris-Jumel Mansion, Washington Heights
Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace
George Washington stationed himself in
Hamilton worked his way up from a volunteer member of the militia to General Washington’s aide in 1777. In 1790, after the war had ended, Washington hosted a dinner and outing there with his administration. Hamilton, now secretary of treasury, and his wife, Elizabeth (also known as Eliza), attended.
Aaron Burr—Hamilton’s rival who killed him in an 1804 duel—lived in the house for a short time. Burr’s second wife, the widowed, wealthy Eliza Jumel, owned the home when she married Burr.
What you’ll see: Washington’s war room (now the bedroom), where Lin-Manuel wrote part of Hamilton. The dining room is also where Washington held one of his first cabinet meetings, with Hamilton in attendance.
Hamilton Grange. Courtesy, NPS
3. Hamilton Grange National Memorial, Hamilton Heights
West 141st Street and Hamilton Terrace
Hamilton moved into stately
Since its construction, the house has been moved twice. Here is a rundown of
What you’ll see: Period-decorated rooms with Eliza Hamilton’s serving tray, the family piano from Eliza’s sister Angelica (who was very close with Hamilton—in fact, some historians think she may have been
4. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Heights
435 W. 141st St.
Hamilton Grange sat next to this church from 1889 to 2006.
What you’ll see: A statue of Hamilton stands in front of the church.
5. Uptown Arts Stroll
May 30–June 30
If you want to be inspired like Lin-Manuel Miranda, take part in the monthlong Uptown Arts Stroll, which connects arts venues from West 135th to West 220th Streets. The event is run by Lin-Manuel’s father himself. Attend concerts, plays and workshops in West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. For more information, visit
Downtown highlights
6. 82 Jane Street, West Village
Hamilton died at his friend William Bayard’s house in what is now the West Village. A plaque in front of the address marks the site, though according to research it’s
Photo: Marley White
7. Trinity Church Cemetery, Lower Manhattan
89 Broadway
Hamilton is buried in the churchyard of this historic chapel.
Fraunces Tavern. Photo: Marley White
8. Fraunces Tavern, Lower Manhattan
54 Pearl St.
Hamilton and Burr shared a meal here one week before their duel.
9. Federal Hall, Lower Manhattan
26 Wall St.
Hamilton attended two sessions of Congress here as secretary of the treasury; submitted reports that became laws, like the Tariff Act of 1790; and argued cases such as the Manhattan Murder Trial while practicing law; he watched George Washington’s inauguration here from his nearby balcony.
10. Thomas Jefferson House, Lower Manhattan
57 Maiden Lane
Hamilton met with Jefferson and James Madison here for the Compromise of 1790, which secured support for Hamilton’s financial plan and moved the nation’s capital to what would become Washington, DC; the house has long since been demolished, but a plaque commemorates its place in history
Other highlights
11. New York Post
Hamilton founded this newspaper as the New-York Evening Post in 1801. It’s still in print and at newsstands throughout NYC.
12. JP Morgan Chase & Company
The dueling pistols of Hamilton and Burr reside in the Midtown office building. Unfortunately,
13. $10 bill
You can see a $10 bill outside of New York City, but we just wanted to remind you that Hamilton is still on it. To get your hands on one, try paying for a $10 item with a $20 bill.
