NJ PATH Train Station at Ground Zero

World Trade Center

Battery Memorial

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and intentionally crashed two passenger aircraft into the monolithic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC). Five smaller trade center buildings were also destroyed beyond repair. The world watched in horror as approximately 3000 people died including 350 rescue workers. New Yorkers resolved to rebuild the WTC and redevelopment is underway to transform Ground Zero into a thriving union of commerce. Five new towers are scheduled for completion by 2011 and 2012.

Visiting Ground Zero

The Tribute World Trade Center opened September 18, 2006, at 120 Liberty Street near Ground Zero. Founded by the September 11th Families Association to memorialize the events of 9/11, it is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 NOON to 6:00 PM. A free walking tour through five exhibits depicts loss, survival, and heroism. One-hour guided tours are available for a $10 donation. The Center is temporary and will be replaced with a permanent museum and memorial, Reflecting Absence. www.tributenyc.org

Memorial Wall

Memorial Wall

Heavy construction now dominates Ground Zero. A fenced walkway around the perimeter safely allows visitors to pay their respects as they attempt to comprehend the enormity of the devastation. Due to construction, occasional detours around the walkway should be expected.

Glimpses of the site are possible from a few nearby hotels, the top of the Empire State Building, or from area streets. Helicopter tours of New York City offer aerial views. From the Hudson River, Circle Line boat tours offer peek-a-boo views while construction is below ground level, but as the landscape progresses upward, so will the views. This live webcam is a great alternative to view progress in real time: www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/groundzero.

Saint Paul's Chapel

Saint Paul's Chapel

Memorials

The days following 9/11, nearby St Paul’s Chapel served as a refuge for rescue workers, a triage center for victims, and beacon of hope for the city. Many people left flowers, photos, notes and other mementos on an outside fence. Now furnished with a permanent memorial, the Chapel is a popular tourist destination and is located on Church Street between Fulton and Vesey Streets.

Visitors can also pay homage at a temporary memorial established in nearby Battery Park. The memorial features an eternal flame lit on the first anniversary of the attacks plus the mangled centerpiece of the fountain "The Sphere for Plaza Fountain" which adorned the WTC plaza prior to the 9/11 attacks. Battery Park is located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan Island just a few blocks south of Ground Zero.

Getting there

Memorial Wall

The new PATH train station and the World Trade Center Subway Station are located directly adjacent to the Ground Zero construction site. Only one subway train stops at the World Trade Center Station. From the Port Authority Bus Station on 42nd Street near Times Square, you can take the E train on the Blue Line toward downtown directly to the new WTC Station. The other Blue Line trains stop at Chambers Street just a short walk from Ground Zero. From Time Square Station, all of the Red Line subway trains going downtown also stop at Chambers Street.

Heroes Remembered

Today, nearly every fire station in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs displays a memorial to the fallen comrades lost on 9/11. Some of these memorials are easily viewable when passing by. Built in 1904 as a firehouse, the New York Fire Museum displays the most complete exhibit commemorating the 9/11 attacks. It is located in Soho at 278 Spring Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM with occasional special events being offered additional days and times. Admission fees are: adults $5; seniors and students $2; and children $1.

Written by: Cindy Singleton