National Historic Landmark - Cooper Union

This institution fulfilled philanthropist Peter Cooper's dream to -improve and elevate the working classes of the City of New York-.

It opened in 1858, offering instruction in chemistry, physics, math and music, and housing the only well-stocked free library in the city.

Soon as many as 3,000 people a week passed through its doors.

Abraham Lincoln gave the keynote address of his 1860 campaign here, which concerned the slavery issue and brought him national prominence.

Courtesy National Park Service National Historical Landmarks