New York Landmarks Conservancy: Fifty Years of Landmarks
Fifty Years of Landmarks
This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking New York City Landmarks Law signed by Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr. on April 19, 1965.
Widespread public outrage over the demolition of the original Penn Station (above) escalated a grassroots preservation campaign and spurred passage of the Law.
Since then, the Landmarks Preservation Commission has granted landmark protection status to almost 1,400 individual landmarks, 117 interior landmarks, 10 scenic landmarks, 112 historic districts, and 20 historic district extensions located throughout all five boroughs.
The Landmarks Law is one of the strongest in the nation, and has served as a model for cities and towns across the country and around the world.
Some of the earliest designations include Federal Hall, Fraunces Tavern, the U.S. Custom House, the Bartow-Pell Mansion, Bialystoker Synagogue, the Bowne House, Brooklyn Borough Hall, Central Synagogue, the Van Wyck House, the Flatiron Building, Gracie Mansion, the Municipal Building, Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Pierpont Morgan Library,Poe Cottage, St. Paul’s Chapel, the Theodore Roosevelt House, and Trinity Church to name just a few of the highlights (underlined buildings featured in video series).
So, during the month of January, we’ll explore New York City’s glorious Landmarks through our Tourist In Your Own Town video series and our Mystery Landmark competition. We’ll also create a Facebook album for you to enjoy.
You can find a list of New York City Landmarks here. How many have you visited?
