Additional Coverage:
- See inside Alexander Hamilton’s historic New York City home where Lin-Manuel Miranda found inspiration for ‘Hamilton’ (businessinsider.com)
Hamilton Grange: A Founding Father’s Home, Reborn
The success of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit “Hamilton” has brought renewed attention to the historical home of Alexander Hamilton, located in Upper Manhattan. Once a quiet site averaging a dozen visitors a day, Hamilton Grange now bustles with activity, a testament to the musical’s enduring popularity.
Miranda himself drew inspiration from the Grange while writing the musical, and the site saw a dramatic increase in visitors when the show opened on Broadway. Supervisory park ranger Callie Tominsky notes that even a decade after the show’s debut, visitor numbers remain high, highlighting the Grange’s unique status as the only monument dedicated to Hamilton in the country.
The History of Hamilton Grange
Completed in 1802, the 2,700-square-foot home, designed by architect John McComb, was Hamilton’s final residence. Tragically, he lived there only two years before his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. His wife, Eliza, remained for another 30 years.
The home’s journey through time is remarkable. Originally situated on a sprawling 32-acre estate, it was moved twice to preserve it from encroaching development. First relocated in 1889, it made its final move in 2008, a feat of engineering involving hydraulic jacks lifting the 300-ton structure 38 feet into the air.
Visiting Hamilton Grange
Open Wednesday through Sunday, Hamilton Grange offers free admission and first-come, first-served tours. The lower level houses a visitor center, museum, and gift shop featuring “Hamilton” souvenirs. The upper floor, accessible via a narrow staff staircase, reveals the meticulously restored living quarters.
Highlights of the tour include the foyer, where Hamilton received distinguished guests, the octagonal dining room designed to maximize natural light, and the parlor, furnished with a mix of original and reproduction Louis XVI-style chairs. Hamilton’s study, with its distinctive green walls that inspired Hamilton’s costume in the musical, is another must-see. Original artifacts, including a silver candle tray and Hamilton’s pianoforte, offer glimpses into his personal life, showcasing the family man behind the political figure.
The Grange also houses replicas of several significant items, including a wine cooler gifted by George Washington and Hamilton’s Federal-style desk, the very desk where Miranda sat seeking inspiration. Two unrestored back rooms, originally guest quarters, now host exhibits showcasing artifacts from the home’s construction.
Visiting Hamilton Grange is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the life of one of America’s Founding Fathers. It’s a blend of history and popular culture, where the echoes of the past resonate with the vibrant energy of the present.