FIRST PRECINCT, FINANCIAL DISTRICT

OLD Slip, one of lower Manhattan’s “slip” streets indicating former boat landings or “slips” was first encountered on maps in 1691. This Slip was the site of a momentous event in American history: in 1792, the 90-ton merchant brig Betsy, captained by Edmund Fanning, sailed out of Old Slip, to become the first ship to carry the American flag around the world. Much of the formerly watery part of Old Slip at its Water Street end is now occupied by Old Slip Park, which, oddly enough, has a connection to the Mormon Church and its founder Joseph Smith.

….on February 4, 1846, the ship Brooklyn sailed away from Old Slip bearing more than 200 [Latter-Day Saints] men, women, and children. Under the direction of Samuel Brannan, the group traveled south, rounded Cape Horn and then sailed back up the western coasts of South and North America, stopping at Hawaii and landing at Yerba Buena, later San Francisco. [LDS Today]

A statue of the “Frontier Prophet” stood in Old Slip Park from 2005-2006.

100 Old Slip at South Street, the former location of  NYC Police Museum, a replica of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, was constructed from 1909-1911 by the firm Hunt and Hunt as the 1st Precinct, replacing an earlier building on the site constructed in 1884.  After the precinct moved out in 1973, the building served as the Landmarks Preservation Commission offices from 1993-2001, and was then dedicated as the Police Museum, which occupied the space between 2002 and 2012. In the latter year I found a 1960s-era “paddy wagon” parked outside.

From its Mission page:

Incorporated in 1998, the New York City Police Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the New York City Police Department, the world’s largest and most famous police service. The Museum strives to be an accessible resource for all the communities of the city of New York. Through its exhibitions, collections and educational programming, the Museum illustrates how the policies and culture of the NYPD have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the City. The Museum serves as an educational institution, living memorial, and bridge of understanding between the various communities of New York, the international community and the New York City Police Department.

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The Police Museum gives visitors an insider’s look at the history and traditions of the largest police service in the country and its role in the history of New York City. With artifacts that date all the way back to the Dutch settlers, visitors can discover the impact of the NYPD over the last three centuries. They will find out the reason police precincts around the nation are marked with green lights outside their doors, why officers are called “cops,” why their bosses are called “brass” and which came first, the Model T or the Highway Unit? Visitors will hear the moving stories of officers responding to the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 and learn how the NYPD now works beyond the borders of New York City to ensure the safety of every citizen. They will also view the shields of every officer who lost their lives in the line of duty since 1857, and can contemplate the bravery and dedication it takes to be one of New York’s Finest.

Sadly the Police Museum has been more or less homeless since Hurricane Sandy flooded the First Precinct building in 2012. It has had temporary quarters at 45 Wall Street and on Governors Island, but is seeking a location at present.

Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the  gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. 

4/2/26