About this Unit
AFEES 39 Whitehall Street in New York City served as a vital Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station (AFEES) for decades, particularly during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Located at the tip of Manhattan, the facility processed and inducted thousands of recruits into the United States Armed Forces, making it a key gateway for servicemen from the New York metropolitan area. The building became a symbol of the draft experience, especially during the Vietnam War era, and was frequently the site of both anxious draftees and antiwar protests. Its operations continued until the late 1970s, after which the site was eventually decommissioned and repurposed.
Historical Facts
•
Historic Military Processing Center: 39 Whitehall Street served as the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station (AFEES) for New York City, processing countless draftees and volunteers for military service, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
•
“Whitehall Induction Center” Nickname: The facility was commonly known as the Whitehall Induction Center. For generations of New Yorkers and Americans, "going down to Whitehall" became synonymous with entering the U.S. military.
•
Draft Protests in the 1960s: During the Vietnam War era, 39 Whitehall Street became a focal point for anti-war demonstrations, including mass protests, sit-ins, and famous draft card burnings.
•
Target of Radical Action: On October 27, 1969, the building was firebombed by anti-war activists, causing significant damage and symbolizing domestic unrest over the Vietnam War.
•
Historic Architecture: The building itself, designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1883, is considered a New York City landmark, notable for its French Renaissance-style architecture.
•
Famous Inductees: Numerous celebrities and public figures passed through 39 Whitehall Street, including boxer Muhammad Ali, who famously refused induction in 1967, leading to his arrest and a landmark Supreme Court case.
•
End of an Era: The induction center closed in the early 1970s as the draft ended and the military shifted to an all-volunteer force.
•
Symbol of Civic Duty: For decades, the building represented the civic responsibilities of American citizens, with millions passing through its doors for medical exams, paperwork, and swearing-in ceremonies.
•
Surviving Transformation: After its military use ended, the building was preserved and eventually repurposed for commercial and residential use, reflecting New York City's dynamic evolution.
•
Pop Culture References: 39 Whitehall Street has appeared in various books, documentaries, and films dealing with the draft and military service, including as a setting in Vietnam War-era memoirs and newsreels.
