Tour the Ford Mansion where General Washington spent more time than at any other place in the Revolution. March on the grounds of Jockey Hollow where the Continental Army braved the coldest winter ever recorded. See the Schuyler Home where Alexander Hamilton courted Betsy Schuyler Hamilton. Add Fort Lee Historic Park, Edison Museum, Yogi Berra Museum for an additional $25 per person for adults; $12 for kids 12 and under.
The British believed that if they controlled the Hudson River north to Vermont, they could keep the Continental Army split in half. Thus, the American strongholds at Fort Washington on the New York side, and Fort Lee on the Jersey side were built to fire upon British warships that would sail north. Unfortunately, in November 1776 the British captured both forts, but the Continentals were able to escape into New Jersey.
The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1st to 3rd, 1863, is considered one of the key turning points in the Civil War. 51,000 casualties were suffered here.
As President Lincoln said, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.”
Johnny America will take you to the haunting fields where over 20,000 patriots laid down their lives so that “government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.” Stand where Lincoln stood when he spoke these words. You “will come away changed.”
Confederate General Ewell said of U.S. Grant: “There is one West Pointer, I think in Missouri, little known, and whom I hope the northern people will not find out. I mean [Ulysses] Grant. I knew him well at the Academy and in Mexico. I should fear him more than any of their officers I have yet heard of. He is not a man of genius, but he is clear-headed, quick, and daring.”
The largest mausoleum in North America, the final resting place of Gen. Grant testifies to our Country’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict in American history.
Also, visit one of the most beautiful churches in North America-–Riverside Church, Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, and one of the most beautiful but little known series of buildings (Beaux Arts/American Renaissance) in the United States-– Audobon Terrace which houses Boricua College, Amercian Academy of Arts and Letters and the Hispanic Society.
Let Johnny America show you the birthplace of the greatest governing document the world has ever known–the U.S. Constitution! Live the experience of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell. Walk the halls that Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin walked! Visit the wonderful new Museum of the American Revolution. If time permits, we will visit historic Yard’s Brewery.
Teddy Roosevelt preserved national parks, opened the seaways across the American Continent, busted trusts and reformed government. He was a writer, a naturalist, an explorer. Stride the rooms and grounds where the Bull Moose lived “the vigorous life,” frolicked with his children, and enthralled citizens with his rousing speeches.
The inventor of the research and development system in the U. S., Edison’s famous line was “Genius is one per cent inspiration, 99 per cent perspiration.”
See the lab where the movie camera, movie projector, battery, and dozens of other history-changing inventions were made. Visit Edison’s home, perfectly preserved, that he returned to each evening after working long into the night at his lab.
Teddy Roosevelt said of West Point “...no other educational institution in the land has contributed as many names as West Point has contributed to the honor roll of the nations greatest citizens...And of all the institutions in the country, none is more absolutely American; none, in the proper sense of the word, more absolutely democratic than this. Here we care nothing for the boy’s birthplace, nor his creed, nor his social standing...Here you come together as representatives of America in a higher and more peculiar sense than can possibly be true of any other institution in the land...”
Duty, Honor, Country. These words are written on the walls and in the hearts of the Cadets and graduates of West Point. The United States’ first military academy is located atop the majestic Hudson River in Orange County, New York.
Most of us know the most famous Yogi-isms: “It ain’t over till it’s over,” “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded,” “You can observe a lot just by watching.”
But most don’t realize that Yogi fought discrimination and that he was never expected to make the Yankee roster. He not only made the team, Yogi went on to become one of the best Yankees of all time, playing in a record 8 World Series.
Yogi was a fiercely proud patriot who bravely fought for our country on D-Day in Normandy.
See the wonderful photographs, memorabilia, and stories of Yogi’s life at his museum. Peer into the minor league baseball stadium he helped build. Pass by the home where he raised his three boys.
There are dozens of tour companies that will take you through the City of New York. But only Johnny America will personally guide you to some of America's most important historic sites, just minutes away from Midtown Manhattan– Morristown, West Orange, West Point, Philadelphia, Gettysburg–-all with personalized tour discussions that educate, uplift, and enlighten! Take one of the tours listed here or customize your own tour. All are designed and drafted with your particular interests in mind!
We pick you up in our comfortable mini-bus from 44th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan, or, if 4 or more people in a group, your preferred pick-up location, and present colorful and enlightening background discussion of the just-outside-the-City historic sites that shaped our nation. We return to 44th and 8th Avenue, or if 4 or more persons, to your desired location.
Johnny America’s founder is a life-long U.S. History specialist. A certified New York City Tour Guide, John is a former college adjunct instructor at Kean University and Hudson County Community College and holds B.A. and J.D. degrees and a New Jersey teaching certificate in history.
Even though it wasn't on one of their on regular tours, Johnny America customizesd a trip for us to Bethlehem Pa. and we had a fantastic time. Thank you! -Mike, New Jersey
We really enjoyed your tour. You made us feel as though we were actually taking part in the historical events. Thanks again. -Rich, London, England
John’s love for history is clear. We loved the stories of the American Revolution that he told us. John re-ignited my interest in American History! -Tonya, Mill Valley, CA.