Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Freedom Mile
This striking Romanesque Revival structure was built in 1862, and served as Flushing's town hall until 1898, when the Village of Flushing was incorporated into New York City.
For many years Town Hall was at the center of Flushing's social, cultural and political life. It hosted plays, concerts, operas, formal balls, community meetings, and political events. Many distinguished visitors including abolitionist Frederick Douglass, President Ulysses S. Grant, and President Theodore Roosevelt, spoke here. The building was used as a municipal courthouse from 1898 until 1962.
After suffering from many years of neglect, Flushing Town Hall was reclaimed by New York City in 1989. It was restored to its original beauty in 1995, and is now home to the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts.
[Captions:]
The old proscenium of Flushing Town hall was rediscovered during renovation. It had been sealed up after the building was converted to a courthouse. (top)
Flushing Town Hall in 1927. (bottom)
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass was one of many notable speakers to appear at Flushing Town Hall. This advertisement, from the January 14, 1865 issue of the Flushing Journal, announces his upcoming speaking engagement. (right)
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt, and the New York, Flushing Freedom Mile series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1865.
Location. 40° 45.822′ N, 73° 49.795′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is on Northern Boulevard (New York State Route 25A) just east of Linden Place, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Flushing Town Hall (a few steps from this marker); Flushing Civil War Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Flushing State Armory (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quaker Meeting House (about 300 feet away); Friends Meeting House (about 300 feet away); Hon. Alfred J. Kennedy (about 500 feet away); Daniel Carter Beard Square (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
