Rector Street: Two Key Stations in Manhattan’s Financial District

The name ‘Rector Street’ refers to two distinct but nearby subway stations located in the heart of the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, New York. Both serve as vital access points for workers and visitors to this important economic and historical area, although they operate on different lines and are not internally connected.

Connections and Services (Separate Stations)

There are two separate stations named Rector Street, each belonging to a different line:

Rector Street (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This station is a local stop on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the service:
  • 1 (red)
• Main entrance address: Near the intersection of Rector Street and Greenwich Street, New York, NY.

Rector Street (BMT Broadway Line)

• This station is a local stop on the BMT Broadway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the services:
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow, weekdays only)
• The entrances to this station are located near the intersection of Rector Street and Trinity Place.

It is important to note that these two stations are not directly connected; passengers must exit to the street to transfer between them.

Importance and Location

• Both stations are located in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District, near streets such as Rector Street, Greenwich Street, and Trinity Place.
• Their strategic location makes them a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Financial District / Wall Street

    • Known as the global financial center.
    • Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
    • Federal Hall National Memorial: Site of the first U.S. presidential inauguration.
    • Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull).

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Trinity Church: A historic Episcopal church and cemetery.
    • Battery Park: An extensive park at the southern tip of Manhattan with harbor views.
    • Stone Street: A historic street with pubs and restaurants.

  • Nearby Memorial Sites

    • National September 11 Memorial & Museum: Located a short walk to the north.
    • St. Paul’s Chapel: A historic chapel that served as a resting place during the 9/11 rescue efforts.

History and Evolution

• The BMT Broadway Line station (R/W trains) opened on January 5, 1918.
• The IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station (1 train) opened on July 1, 1918.
• Both stations suffered significant damage as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks due to the collapse of the Twin Towers and were temporarily closed. The IRT station (1 train) was substantially rebuilt and reopened on September 15, 2002. The BMT station (R/W trains) required more extensive reconstruction and reopened on February 15, 2003.

Interesting Facts

• The stations primarily serve the thousands of commuters who work in the Financial District offices.
• The existence of two separate stations with the same name, a block apart, can sometimes cause confusion for visitors.
• The IRT station (1 train) is notable for its curved design and retains some of its original tile work.