Federal Hall National Memorial was unique among National Parks in its extreme proximity to the disaster of September 11th.

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Situated at 26 Wall Street, only a few blocks from the World Trade Center, Federal Hall lay directly in the path of escape. Seeking refuge from the thick, choking smoke, ash and debris that enveloped the area as the towers collapsed, over 150 people found shelter, help and reassurance at Federal Hall.

NPS staff members, U.S. Park Police, and a doctor were on hand to help victims suffering from smoke inhalation, shock, and other injuries. When the second tower collapsed, NPS staff worked to prevent panic in the crowd. They even showed a park movie to take people's minds off the catastrophe outside. And they waited. By 12:30 p.m., people felt ready to attempt the trek home. NPS staff provided maps and masks as the group ventured out into the streets. By 2:30 p.m., the building was evacuated and closed to the public, and Federal Hall employees made their own difficult journeys home.

In the days that followed, U.S. Park Police and NPS officers were sent to secure and protect the site, and NPS staff reported for work. Firemen and rescue crews used the facilities to clean up and rest in shifts.

Meanwhile, structural engineers examined the building and found that vibrations from the collapse of nearby buildings had deepened an existing crack in the southwest corner of the structure. Although the building is structurally sound, the damage will need to be addressed for preservation purposes. Federal Hall was finally reopened to a very different Wall Street on October 15, 2001.

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