New York City, known for its sky-high buildings and ever-changing skyline, also houses some of the oldest architectural marvels in the country. Let's journey back in time to uncover the secret history of some of NYC's oldest and most iconic buildings.

Fraunces Tavern

One of the city's oldest surviving buildings, Fraunces Tavern, dates back to 1719. This historic landmark has worn many hats over the centuries - a residential mansion, a boarding house, and even the office of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War, and Treasury!

St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery

Consecrated in 1799, St. Mark's Church has been a cornerstone of the Bowery neighborhood. It holds the title of the oldest site of continuous worship in New York City.

Merchant's House Museum

Step into the 19th-century life of a wealthy merchant family by visiting the Merchant's House Museum. This preserved home from the 1830s is a rare glimpse into NYC's past.

The Old Stone House

The Old Stone House, a reconstruction of the 1699 Vechte-Cortelyou House, played a key role in the American Revolution. It now serves as a museum dedicated to the Battle of Brooklyn.

General Grant National Memorial

Commonly known as Grant's Tomb, this mausoleum is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. It is the largest mausoleum in North America.

These buildings are more than just architectural masterpieces; they're living pieces of NYC's vibrant and diverse history. Next time you're in New York City, be sure to visit these historic landmarks and appreciate the stories they tell.