Exploring 1835 New York's Hoaxes, Hotels, & Humbugs Around City Hall

While New York is a city continually changing and evolving in almost every aspect, 1835 was particularly notable. Two penny papers went to war with each other; New York's premier real estate mogul — and the country's richest man — sunk his fortune into building the finest hotel in the U.S.; a local entertainer became the country's biggest showman. It's time to hit the streets and explore a small part of Manhattan that was home to some of the largest events and egos of the 19th century, which altered the social and physical landscape of New York and beyond.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the City Hall area with a focus on the people, places, and remnants from 1835 New York City, a single year that transformed New York City in seismic ways.

Led by James Scully — NYC tour guide and director / co-creator of the award-winning historical audio fiction soap opera, Burning Gotham — our unique walking tour will include:

• An overview of important events in 1835 NYC, including the vote to build the Croton Aqueduct, Moving Day, why the U.S. was on the verge of war with France, and the story behind several riots and strikes of the 1830s
• Details about the life and career of John Jacob Astor, from how he became the richest man in America to what remains of his vast fortune and massive hotel in the City Hall area today
• A visit to the former headquarters for one of the city’s first two penny papers, with a discussion about The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 and how their publishers and editors both capitalized on — and helped transform — the hopes and fears of New York’s rapidly expanding population
• Separating fact and fiction with P.T. Barnum’s life and career, with a trip to the site of his first museum and a discussion about his 1835 start as a showman exhibiting Joice Heth, the purported 161 year-old nursemaid to George Washington
• A walk past other important sites and remnants dating back to 1835 New York

See you there!

*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking

**This tour does not go inside any buildings on the route

***This tour concludes on the corner of Broadway, Ann Street, and Park Row

About James

James Scully is an outgoing native New Yorker who grew up in a home with three generations of family. He had close relationships with both his grandparents and great-grandparents, being exposed to an invaluable amount of local culture. It has helped him become a passionate actor, writer, director, and historian. He’s a graduate of Xavier High School in Manhattan, Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and has spent over a decade working in media for companies such as Condé Nast, and Hearst.

James is behind Breaking Walls, a docu-podcast on the history of American network radio broadcasting. He’s directed, post-produced, adapted, and acted in scripted audio fiction productions and is an actor in the Fireside Mystery Theatre troupe. He’s also a Salmagundi Club member and mentor with The Podcast Academy

Testimonials

"Learning of incredible stories I'd never heard before." -Mary

"Guide was engaging, info was interesting" -Christine

"I liked all the historic information on or near the sites where events occurred and/ the people sited lived." -James

"The content was amazing, but even more amazing than the Content was our guide Mr. Scully. Thank you" -Debbie

"I liked James. He is friendly, extremely knowledgable, speaks well and at the correct volume. He cares about getting the facts right." -Lawrence

"James Scully is the best guide we've ever had. Very informative, entertaining and passionate." -Carol

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club