When Hamilton: An American Musical premiered on Broadway in 2015, it reshaped not only how we view history but how we experience it. Now, as the show celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re looking at the places where you can walk in the footsteps of Alexander Hamilton and the people around him—whether you’re drawn in by the music, the history, or both.
In this week’s episode of Pop Culture Passport, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with historian, YouTuber, and podcaster Jenn from Talk with History and Walk with History. Jenn brought her deep knowledge of Revolutionary War history and her personal experiences visiting historical sites tied to Hamilton’s life and legacy.
Together, we shared real-world places that bring the musical to life—from battlefields and burial sites to Broadway landmarks and bookstores.
The Broadway Phenomenon That Changed Everything
We kicked things off with a look back at Hamilton‘s origins:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda first performed what would become the opening song at the White House in 2009.
- The show premiered Off-Broadway at The Public Theater in early 2015.
- It opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6, 2015.
- Since then, it’s won 11 Tony Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy, and was later released as a filmed version on Disney+ in 2020.
More than just a hit show, Hamilton brought hip-hop, diverse casting, and a fresh storytelling approach to the Broadway stage—and it made a generation curious about American history.
Historic Sites Every Hamilton Fan Should Visit
Here are a few of the key places Jen highlighted in the episode, based on her own visits and research as a historian:
Fraunces Tavern (New York, NY)
This Revolutionary War-era tavern is where George Washington bid farewell to his officers—including Hamilton—after the war. You can eat in the tavern and then head upstairs to see original artifacts, including Washington’s bar tab from that final dinner. Spoiler: they celebrated hard.
Trinity Church & Graveyard (New York, NY)
Right across from Fraunces Tavern, Trinity Church is the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, and Hercules Mulligan. Jenn shared fascinating insights into what’s accurate (and what’s not) in the musical when it comes to these real-life figures.
Yorktown Battlefield (Yorktown, VA)
This is where the battle described in the show’s “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” took place. Jenn described sitting at sunset on the edge of the readout Hamilton captured—a powerful moment for any fan of the show or student of history.
Fort Necessity (Farmington, PA)
While not directly referenced in the musical, Jenn explained how this location ties into the show’s emotional storytelling—specifically George Washington’s line in “History Has Its Eyes on You.” Washington experienced a massive early failure here, and it shaped the leader he became.
Theodosia & the Mystery of the Female Stranger (Alexandria, VA)
Want to go deeper into the Burr family history? Jenn shared the story of Theodosia Burr—Aaron Burr’s brilliant daughter who was lost at sea. A mysterious grave in Alexandria labeled “The Female Stranger” has long been rumored to be her.
Pop Culture Stops in New York City
After all that historical travel, I shared a few more stops that celebrate the pop culture side of Hamilton:
Drama Book Shop
Lin-Manuel Miranda spent hours writing Hamilton in the basement of this beloved NYC bookstore. When it was in danger of closing, he and his collaborators bought it and reopened it in 2021 in a new space designed by Hamilton set designer David Korins.
Sardi’s
A classic Broadway restaurant known for its caricatures lining the walls. You’ll find drawings of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chris Jackson, and Leslie Odom Jr. among the greats. A great place to grab a bite and soak up Broadway history.
The Public Theater
This is where Hamilton first premiered Off-Broadway in 2015. The Public has a long history of launching groundbreaking theater, and seeing a show here is a great way to experience the roots of Broadway innovation.
More to Explore
If you’re planning a Hamilton-inspired trip, or just want to experience the places behind the music, here are a few more locations mentioned in the episode:
- Hamilton Grange National Memorial (NYC) – Hamilton’s home in Harlem
- Weehawken Dueling Grounds (NJ) – Site of the infamous duel with Aaron Burr
- National Constitution Center (Philadelphia, PA) – See Hamilton’s recreated statue and historical documents
- Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) – Experience the site of Washington’s daring winter crossing
- Valley Forge (PA) – Winter headquarters for Washington and his aides, including Hamilton
Whether you’re visiting New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or beyond, Hamilton fans have a treasure trove of real-world places to explore. Some are major landmarks, others are hidden gems—but all offer a chance to stand in the room where it happened.
