The little-known, 300-year history of the area includes former lives as a bustling tobacco port, parking lot, and industrial dump.

The "lovely red Vega" of the legendary record-settling pilot.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

When this 18th-century observatory's meridian was moved, it set Sweden's time back by 0.04 seconds.

An eerie diorama that captures the majestic nature of a few prehistoric-looking beasts.

Pulled from the rubble of one of the worst modern tragedies, a steel crossbeam became a symbol of hope for New Yorkers.

A little lighthouse in New York City, surrounded by mysterious stories of insanity-driven construction.

In its day this historic fort held 100 cannons pointed in almost every direction to protect New York.

A former insane asylum despised by Nelly Bly and Charles Dickens is now fashionable apartments.

The fanciest public restroom in New York City boasts fresh flowers, art, and a classical music soundtrack.

Lie in a hammock where George Washington stood.

A bit of retro transportation flair preserved in the world's largest department store.

One of the most enjoyable bits of history at Coney Island and “the most romantic ride in the world.”

This mosaic dedicated to John Lennon was tended for years by a Beatles super-fan.

A pedestrian island in the middle of world-famous Times Square emits a strange (and purposeful) humming noise.

The original toys that inspired the beloved children's stories are on display at the New York Public Library.

Wall Street has a new heroine, a bronze statue of a small but fierce girl.

A celebration of capitalism in Midtown.

This whimsical group of statues is a favorite of children who love to climb all over Lewis Carroll's beloved characters.

One of only two commuter aerial tramways in the United States.

Read a book next to a Midtown waterfall.

Whisper secrets in a busy station only to be heard on the other side of this acoustic arch.

A crumbling hospital from the 1850s on Roosevelt Island.

Prone to disastrous fires, the city of San Francisco has the Guardian, a fireboat gifted by residents, to watch over them from the bay.