Explore New York City’s Layered Histories for the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.

Hints of New York’s past are interspersed throughout its built environment. Tucked between the concrete and the glass, traces of the city from centuries ago can be found.

Tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The New York Times reported on six sites in the city that hold its history and lore, and then invited readers to visit these sites in person to examine them more closely.

If you’d like to find these spots on your own, the clues are below, along with a map of the intersections where the sites are located. Or, you can read more about the sites here.

Search for the Past clues

It lies below your feet, and its crookedness breaks up the grid. Go to where this Way begins at the south of the island.

It surrounded the king who was turned into musket balls.

This living being has breathed the New York air for an estimated 300 years.

The discovery of this site in the 1990s shaped our understanding of the role of slavery in constructing the city.

It’s said to have once been the home of an aide to George Washington, but now, it’s a homey place for burgers and beers.

This wall once supported a tavern and a city hall; now it’s easy to miss, unless you look through the sidewalk.