New York City history below your feet

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - In a fast-paced city like New York, it is easy to walk right by some major historical monuments. But what if I told you that you’re walking right over them, too?

Historical plaques are all over New York City. And while they may be small in size, Forgotten New York contributor Sergey Kadinsky says their significance is not.

Take 41st Street, for example. Right across from the New York Public Library, between 5th and Park avenues are two blocks of plaques that often go unnoticed. If you take the time, you'll find each gold square is a dedication to famous books or authors, many of whom lived in New York.

Further downtown, in Greenwich Village, a curious mosaic triangle reads Property of the Hess Estate on the corner of 7th Avenue South and Christopher Street. The story of this dates back to 1910. Kadinsky says at that time more than 300 buildings in the area were slated for demolition to make way for the incoming subway line. Then-landlord David Hess tried to fight it but lost. All he was able to keep was just over two square feet of land.

In the Financial District, pedestrians might notice unusual granite markers on the section of Broadway between City Hall and the Battery. This stretch is known as the Canyon of Heroes. Each marker lists a date and a person or group of people who were guests of honor at a New York City ticker tape parade.

Next time you stroll around the city, try to keep your eyes peeled. A piece of history could be right beneath your feet.