New York 2016 - New York City Hall

City Hall is the seat of the New York City Government. It t is located in Lower Manhattan between Broadway and Park Avenue, and opposite the entrance onto the Brooklyn Bridge.



City Hall
New York City

Brooklyn Bridge
New York
 

 Construction on the building commenced in 1803, and completed in 1811. In 1861, City Hall could have become the seat of government for an independent New York City State. There were growing tensions between the Northern and Southern States over the question of Slavery. Those in the North were largely anti-slavery, however New York City as a America's financial hub made large revenues from goods and services supplied to the Slave States. Many had Southern sympathies and in City Hall, as was happening in the Southern States, debate about leaving the Union took place.

 

The Day New York Tried to Secede

 

New York City Hall
Council Chamber

 On 12th April 1861, tensions between North and South developed in to War. The Southern Confederate States commenced bombardment of Fort Sumter, near Charleston, South Carolina, and the American Civil War commenced.  Fort Sumter fell to Confederate Forces the next day.

 

Fort Sumter South Carolina
Bombardment 12th April 1861

 American Civil War

 

American Civil War
Union and Confederate States

The attack on Fort Sumter raised powerful feelings in New York and led to may displays of loyalty to the Union, the biggest being a rally in Union Square.

City Hall Park, became the focus for recruitment of Union Volunteers and enlistment offices were set up. By the end of  May 1861, 30,000 men had volunteered for the Union cause. Over 150,000 would enlist over the course of four years of war.

New York City in the American Civil War

City Hall Park Recruitment



City Hall Park - IJ

7th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment
New York City Hall