Financial District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton
Exploring Downtown Manhattan
Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 11, 2018
1. The Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton wayside
New York is a city of straight lines – it’s the very rare building that curves. The rectory of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton occupies one of them: the elegant house built in 1793 for one James Watson, with an 1806 addition whose portico curves along State Street.
At the time, the entire area was a posh residential district lined with fine brick town houses; today, the Watson House is the sole survivor, one of the few downtown buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1835. The double-story wooden columns of the extension’s upper floors are said to be made of old ship masts.
The shrine was the former home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, America’s first-born saint and the founder of the Sisters of Charity, America’s first order of nuns. Mother Seton dedicated herself to caring for the children of the poor and founded the country’s first free Catholic School for girls.
Erected by Downtown Alliance.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 42.152′ N, 74° 0.831′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Watson House / Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton (here, next to this marker); Home of Elizabeth Ann Seton (a few steps from this marker); Watson House (a few steps from this marker); John Wolfe Ambrose (a few steps from this marker); John Ambrose Statue (a few steps from this marker); New Amsterdam Plein: Nine (within shouting distance of this marker); New Amsterdam Plein: Eight (within shouting distance of this marker); New Amsterdam Plein: One (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Regarding The Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton. This the third iteration of the wayside at this site. "New York Unearthed", featured on the previous two waysides, had been closed to the public in 2004 and so was removed from this entry.
Although the wayside is for “The Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton”, as it points out, this is actually the shrine’s rectory. The shrine itself is next door at 8 State Street.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. View the other
Photographed By Larry Gertner
2. 7 State Street
Properly, The Rectory of the Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton
Photographed By Larry Gertner
3. Ecclesiastic art
On the wall facing the glass box
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
