TLDR: Trinity Church at 75 Broadway has been standing at the head of Wall Street since 1846. Alexander Hamilton is buried in the churchyard. So is Robert Fulton, the steamboat inventor. The church is free, open daily, and takes about 15 minutes to see. It survived 9/11 untouched and served as a relief station for rescue workers. From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5 to Wall Street. About 35 minutes.
A Church at the Head of Wall Street
Trinity Church sits at the western end of Wall Street where it meets Broadway. The parish was founded in 1696 by royal charter from King William III of England. The current building, the third on this site, was completed in 1846 in the Gothic Revival style. For years it was the tallest structure in New York City.
Today the church is dwarfed by skyscrapers on every side. That contrast is part of what makes it striking. A stone church with a pointed spire surrounded by glass and steel towers, right in the center of the financial capital of the world. It’s free to enter and open daily from 7am to 6pm.
Alexander Hamilton’s Grave
Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and the face on the $10 bill, is buried in the churchyard on the north side of the church. He was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804 and buried here at the age of 47 (or 49, depending on which birth year you accept).
The grave is marked by a white pyramid-shaped monument near the church wall. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Walk to the north side of the church (the side facing the skyscrapers) and look for the white obelisk-style marker close to the building. A small plaque identifies it.
Since the Hamilton musical premiered on Broadway, the grave has become a popular stop. You’ll often see fresh flowers and small tributes left at the base. It takes about 2 minutes to find and see.
The Churchyard: Other Notable Graves
Hamilton’s grave gets the most attention, but the churchyard holds other significant burials. Robert Fulton, who built the first commercially successful steamboat, is buried here. His grave is also in the north churchyard.
The churchyard itself is one of the oldest in Manhattan, with gravestones dating back to the 1700s. Many are weathered beyond reading, but that’s part of the atmosphere. Walking among headstones from the colonial era while Wall Street traffic rushes by on all sides is a distinctly New York experience.
Insider Tip
Hamilton’s grave is in the churchyard on the north side, not inside the church. Look for the white pyramid-shaped monument near the church wall. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Takes 5 minutes, completely free, and it’s right on the Wall Street walking route.
Inside the Church
The interior of Trinity Church is worth a quick walk-through. The Gothic Revival architecture features high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and carved wooden details. It’s a working Episcopal parish, so the space is maintained as an active church rather than a museum.
The altar area and the bronze doors at the main entrance are the highlights. On a weekday, you’ll likely have the space mostly to yourself. Sit in a pew for a few minutes and enjoy the quiet. It’s one of the few genuinely peaceful spots in the Financial District.
The 9/11 Connection
Trinity Church stands just two blocks from the World Trade Center site. On September 11, 2001, the church and its churchyard were covered in debris and ash. The large sycamore tree in the churchyard was destroyed by falling wreckage. But the church building itself survived intact.
In the days and weeks after the attacks, Trinity Church served as a relief station for rescue workers. Volunteers distributed food, water, and supplies from the church grounds. A small memorial and plaque near the churchyard commemorate this role.
Getting There and What to Combine It With
Take the 4 or 5 train from 86th Street to Wall Street. Walk west on Wall Street toward Broadway. Trinity Church is at the end, right where Wall Street meets Broadway. Total time from the hotel: about 35 minutes.
Trinity Church is a 2-minute walk from the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull statue. It fits perfectly into a Financial District walking tour. Our Wall Street guide covers the full area in detail.
You’re also a short walk from Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty ferry. See our Battery Park waterfront guide for that route. The Brooklyn Bridge is about a 15-minute walk east if you want to add that to your downtown day. Our Brooklyn Bridge walking guide has everything you need.
Your Wall Street Home Base
Stay on the Upper East Side and ride the 4/5 train straight to Wall Street in 35 minutes. See Hamilton’s grave, walk the Financial District, and return to a quieter neighborhood at the end of the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trinity Church free to visit?
Yes. The church and churchyard are completely free. No tickets, no reservations. Just walk in. It’s open daily from 7am to 6pm. The churchyard is accessible during the same hours.
Where exactly is Hamilton’s grave?
In the churchyard on the north side of the church (the side facing away from Wall Street, toward the skyscrapers). Look for a white pyramid-shaped monument close to the church wall. There’s a small identifying plaque. It’s easy to walk past if you’re not looking for it.
How long does it take to visit Trinity Church?
About 10 to 15 minutes for the church interior and the churchyard. Finding Hamilton’s grave takes another 2 to 3 minutes. You can see everything in under 20 minutes. It’s a quick, worthwhile stop on any Financial District walk.
Is Trinity Church near the 9/11 Memorial?
Yes. Trinity Church is about a 5-minute walk from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. You can easily visit both on the same downtown trip. The church survived the attacks intact and served as a relief station for rescue workers.
Can I attend a service at Trinity Church?
Yes. Trinity Church is an active Episcopal parish with regular services throughout the week. Sunday services are held in the morning. Check trinitywallstreet.org for the current schedule. Visitors are welcome at services, but be respectful of the worshipping congregation.
Why is Alexander Hamilton buried at Trinity Church?
Hamilton was a longstanding member of the Trinity Church parish. After he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey, in 1804, he was buried in the churchyard per his and his family’s wishes. His wife Eliza is also buried nearby.
What else is near Trinity Church?
The New York Stock Exchange and Charging Bull statue are a 2-minute walk. Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty ferry terminal are about a 10-minute walk south. The Brooklyn Bridge is a 15-minute walk east. Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated, is on Wall Street directly in front of the church.
Is Trinity Church the oldest church in New York?
The parish was founded in 1696, making it one of the oldest in New York. However, the current building dates to 1846. It’s the third church on this site. The first two were destroyed by fire and age. Several other churches in New York have older surviving buildings, but Trinity’s parish history is among the longest.