St. Patrick's Cathedral: A History Not Quite as Foggy as a Guinness on St. Paddy's Day
Ah, St. Patrick's Cathedral. Towering over Fifth Avenue like a majestic (and very Gothic) wedding cake, it's a New York City landmark that's seen its fair share of history. But when exactly did this grand dame of Catholicism grace the Big Apple with its presence? Buckle up, history buffs (and those who just like pub trivia), because we're about to dive into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, story of St. Patrick's Cathedral's construction.
First Things First: There Was Actually Another St. Patrick's (Spoiler Alert: It's Older)
Before we get down to brass tacks, let's clear up a little confusion. There's actually two St. Patrick's Cathedrals in New York City. The first one, down in Nolita, is a quaint little number built way back in 1815. That's right, folks, this little church predates your average New York City bodega by a good century or two. But as the city (and the Catholic population) boomed, a bigger, grander house of worship was needed. Enter our main attraction: the St. Patrick's Cathedral we all know and love.
Building a Cathedral: Not Quite Like Building an IKEA Dresser (Thankfully)
So, when did construction on the current St. Patrick's Cathedral begin? If you guessed 1858, you'd be giving yourself a high five (and maybe a celebratory green beer). They laid the cornerstone that year, with the ambitious goal of having the whole thing finished in, like, five minutes. Okay, maybe not five minutes, but certainly not the 21 years it actually took.
The Plot Thickens (Like Stew on a Cold Winter's Day)
Now, you might be wondering what caused this construction marathon. Well, blame it on history, that mischievous little imp. The American Civil War rolled around in the early 1860s, putting a serious damper on things like, you know, building giant cathedrals. Thankfully, after the dust settled (both literally and metaphorically), construction resumed, and the doors finally opened in 1879.
Finally Finished! Time to Party Like It's 1879 (Because, Well, It Was)
The dedication of the cathedral was a huge deal. We're talking bishops galore, celebratory parades, and enough holy water to fill a swimming pool (okay, maybe not that much). New Yorkers were ecstatic to finally have this architectural marvel in their midst.
So, the answer to your burning question is: St. Patrick's Cathedral was built in 1879! Now you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge, or at least use it to win your next bar trivia night. Just remember, when it comes to New York City history, things are rarely as simple as they seem. But hey, that's part of the charm, right?
