New York City: The Battery Park Private Walking Tour

Hi, I’m Marcus, born and raised in Brooklyn. I take visitors to the New York City spots most people miss, showing history, hidden stories, and fun facts along the way. Start at Bowling Green Park, New York City’s oldest park, where the statue of King George III once stood before being toppled. Walk past cobblestones, colonial forts, and streets named after oysters, and learn about the Dutch settlers who shaped Manhattan. See where Peter Minuit “bought” Manhattan for $24 worth of beads, find out how the city seal still reflects that trade, and hear the story of Henry Hudson’s Arctic voyage, which ended in mutiny. From Fraunces Tavern to Castle Clinton, the tour covers spies, immigration history, and early ferry disasters. You’ll also see Lady Liberty, the Sea Glass Carousel, and finish on Stone Street with its historic cobblestones and cafés. Along the way, you’ll discover: • How Manhattan was “bought” for a handful of beads • The wild adventures of Jewish refugees who arrived here entirely by accident • Why New York is named after a duke who never even visited • The secrets of Castle Clinton, a 19th-century fort that’s lived a dozen lives, from war base to concert hall to aquarium • Where George Washington, through tears, said goodbye to his troops • The massive harbor explosion that shook the city but was buried in history books • Hidden symbols carved into the Customs House Starting point: Bowling Green Park Ending point: Stone Street. Why Book This Tour: Perfect for history buffs, first-time visitors, and curious New Yorkers, this walking tour combines facts, humor, and hidden stories of Manhattan’s early days.