F Kr ExcuTsioTi for tVie, I New/ork. No. 9. Historic DTon>: . Ml. h^^. EXCURSION PLANNED FOR THE CITY HISTORY CLUB OF NEW YORK BY RANDALL COMFORT (Member of the New York Historical Society) AND DR. GEORGE W. NASH No. IX.— HISTORIC BRONX PRICE, 10 CENTS * ^ , Mailed on receipt of price by Secretary, City History Club 23 W. 44th Street Copyrighted, 1Q06, by the City History Club of New York CoUectcd set. Object. — The City History Club (founded in 1896) has for its object, the study of the history of the City of New York, in the hope of awakening an interest in its past development and traditions and in the possibihties of its future, such educational work being for the improvement, uplifting and civic betterment of the community. To that end a series of historical excursions was planned which, from time to time, it has been found necessary to revise in order (i) to correct errors due to misinformation, of which even standard books of New York history are not entirely free; (2) to keep pace with the march of improve- ments whereby the topography of the City is constantly changing; and (3) to add material as new light is shed on the past and as new tablets and monuments are erected to mark historic sites. By its efforts, literature, lectures, and by these historical excursions interest in City history /las been awakened since the organization of the Club, and many students have devoted their time to research and study of life in old New York. To those who, influenced by their example, desire to enter upon the fascinating acquisition of knowledge of our great City's growth, the following books will be helpful : Todd's " Story of New York " (Putnam) ; Goodwin's " Historic New York," two bound volumes com- posed of 24 monographs; "The Half Moon Series," which maybe pur- chased separately, of these : " The Neutral Ground " is of particular value for this Excursion (Putnam) ; Hemstreet's "Literary Landmarks of New York" (Putnam) ; Janvier's " In Old New York" (Harper) ; Hemstreet's " Nooks and Corners of Old New York " and " When Old New York was Young"; Innes' " New Amsterdam and Its People " (Scribner) ; Ulmann's "Landmark History of New York " (Appleton) ; R. R. Wilson's "New York Old and New" (Lippincott) ; reproductions of noted historical maps and pictures of Old New York (Dunreath Publishing Co.). Special works include Comfort's " History of Bronx Borough, New York City" (F. T. Smiley Pub. Co.) ; Scharf's " History of Westchester County " (Preston & Co.); Bolton's "History of the County of Westchester" (Roper) ; Shon- nard's "History of Westchester County" (N. Y. History Co.); Allison's " History of Yonkers." ^ Abbatt's " Battle of Pell's Point " ; Edsall's " His- tory of Kingsbridge •"• •; Pryer's " Reminiscences of an Old Westchester Homestead " (Putnam). August R. Ohman, 97-101 Warren St., publishes the best modern maps of New York. See also the list of Club publica- tions. The City History Club would greatly appreciate corrections and addi- tions to the points covered in this excursion, especially if authorities are quoted. INTRODUCTION. Bronx Borough derives its name from the first white settler, Jonas Bronck, who settled near the Bronx Kills in 1639. An adjacent river became known as Bronck's (shortened later to Bronx) River and in recent times the same name was applied to the whole borough. Many Indians, the Sewanoes, Weckquaesgeeks and Mohicans, branches of the Algonquin family, made this borough their home, dwelling on the shores of the Hudson, the Bronx and the Sound. They left various Indian names behind them, such as Acrahung, Muscoota, Aquahung, and Aquea- noncke. Many of the old title-deeds date back to early purchases from Indian sachems. Perhaps the earliest Dutch settlement was in 1654 at Westchester (see p. 22). Soon the English followed, some of the first titles being granted by Governor NichoUs. Many Revolutionary scenes were enacted in this borough and a full quota of its citizens went forth to serve and die in defence of their rights. The dreaded " Neutral Ground " extended from the Harlem to the northern limits of the present borough. Pelham saw the " Battle of Pelham Neck" (see pp. 24, 25), while Westchester may well boast of its "Battle of West- chester Creek" (see p. 22). Other sections could tell of individual engagements with the King's forces. The early and middle parts of the Nineteenth Century saw great changes under the influence of civilization. Extensive farm lands were made to bring forth the fruits of the earth ; then came the successful business men, who located here their country estates and elegant mansions, many examples of which are yet to be found in spite of the advance of the city. The year 1874 brought annexation to the great city of New York of 13,000 acres of the western part of the Bronx, followed in 1895 by the remaining 20,000 acres. And now these 33,000 acres of hill and plain are fast merging into that wonderful city that is proud to style itself " America's Metropolis." MAP I. (Made for the City History Club of New York.) Figures correspond with those in Excursion No. IX. • Marks Elevated R. R. Stations. I Marks Subway Stations X Marks N. Y. C. and H. R. R. K. Stations. Adapted from Map of Bronx, by courtesy o( August R. Ohman, Map Publisher and Engineer, 97 Warren St., Mew York City. SECTION I. KINGSBRIDGE TO THE CITY LINE. [Figures refer to map I, p. 4, and III, p. 75.) Take N. V. Central train from Grand Central Statio?t to Kings- bridge Station or Broadway Subway to 221st Street. From Kingsbridge north, the section including Yonkers, was termed in Revolutionary days "the Neutral Ground," — the scene of countless rav- ages by irregular bands known as " Cowboys " and " Skinners," who com- mitted such lawless depredations that many of the residents were forced into temporary exile. (1.) King'sbridg'e Ship Caual Bridge, crossing the Harlem Ship Canal, cut through in 1895 to shorten the distance between the Hudson and the Sound. Walk north along Broadway {Old Kingsbridge Road), to Broadway Bridge. See from here (2.) The Free Bridge (also called Farmers' or Dyckman's Bridge), built 1759 to avoid toll on the King's Bridge. (3.1 The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum may be seen to the south- east on Fordham Heights, occupying the site of British Fort No. Six, styled " The King's Battery) (see p. 6). Below this rises the Webb Academy or Home for Shipbuilders.* Still further south see the dome of the Hall of Fame of N. Y. University. (4.) Old King's Bridge, at the west, was built in 1693 by Frederick Phillipse, at the point where the Harlem and Spuyten Duyvil Creek join, and is the oldest bridge across the Harlem. Some claim that it still occu- pies the original site at the narrowest part of the stream, others that in 1713 it was moved a few rods east. Washington retired across it in 1776, and returned over it victorious in 1783, and it was a centre of military move- ments during the Revolution. The large stones in the water to the west of the bridge are the remains of Macomb's Grist and Tide Mill of 1800 which fell in 1856. Spuyten Duyvil Heights may be seen on the western horizon. The city has appropriated ^3,000,000 to build an immense structure to be called the (5.) Henry Hudson Memorial Bridge, to be completed in 1909 as a fitting monument for the ter-centennial of the great explorer. It will con- nect the Riverside Drive Extension on Manhattan with the Spuyten Duyvil Parkway of the Bronx. * Note : The Moses De Voe House is just east. It was built in 1782 and once owned by Peter Valentine. See, also, from this point locations of (6.) General Montgomery's Farm on Kingsbridge Heights, on north- ern portion of which was (7.) British Fort No. Four, or the American Fort Independence (1776). The site of this fort is now occupied by the residence of Mr. Wm. O. Giles, on Giles Place, near Fort Independence Street. In 1772 General Richard Montgomery dwelt in this section, calling it his " King's Bridge Farm." On his land stood, until recently, the ruins of what was an old Revolutionary powder magazine. On the edge of the hill is the (8.) Old Montgomery Cottage, of Dutch architecture, at Heath Ave- nue and Ft. Independence Street. Across the old Boston Post Road (1672) was (9.) The farm of Dominie Tetard, Chaplain to Montgomer}^ his house dating from 1776. On his estate stood the British Fort No. Five, lately restored, a small square redoubt, probably an outwork of Fort Independ- ence (see No. 7). (10.) Spiiyteii Duyvil Hill, on which a few traces remain of Forts Nos. One, Two (Fort Swartwout) and Three (Note, p. 8). Forts Six, the " King's Battery," and Seven are both on Fordham Heights, and Eight (marked by a tablet erected by the Sons of the Revo- lution) is on the grounds of the N. Y. University (see Section II, Nos. 43, 44). Under Spuyten Duyvil Hill is the site of the Indian village of Nip- inichsen from which Indians attacked Hudson in 1609. (11.) The Old Wading Place is east of the old King's Bridge. (12.) Macomb Mansion, on the Bronx mainland, faces the new Broad- way Bridge. In 1693 this was known as the public house "at the north end of the bridge." and in 1776 as Cox's Tavern. It was bought by Alex- ander Macomb, the erector of Macomb's Dam (see Section II) in 1797 and in 1848 was sold to the late J. H. Godwin. Parts still show its great age. Madam Jumel used to drive here with her coach and four. At Kingsbridge the old Post Road from New York divided, the Albany Post Road (1669). now Albany Road, leading northward to Van Cortlandt, Yonkers and Albany, while the Boston Post Road (1672) led northeast over Williamsbridge through Eastchester and New Rochelle to Boston. The Kingsbridge Road extended southeast up Breakneck Hill to West Farms and Westchester, passing at the foot of the hill the old house still called Emmerich's Headquarters, after the colonel of the Hessians who camped there. (13.) The Island of Papirinamen (an old Indian name) was just north- east of old King's Bridge, once surrounded by water at high tide. Take Broadway Trolley to Van Cortlandt Park, opposite the mansion. (14.) Tan Cortlandt Mansion, now the Museum of the Colonial Dames, built in 1748 (see inscription on walls) by Frederick Van Cort- landt. See Tablet on the southeast corner. Note the quaint key-stones over the windows; probably brought from Holland. Here were enter- tained Washington, Rochambeau, the Duke of Clarence (later King Wil- liam the Fourth), and others. Washington spent the night of November 12, 1783, here before crossing King's Bridge to enter New York. See the guide-book, to be obtained from the custodian. (15.) Rhinelander Sugar House Window is just northeast of the man- sion. It was presented by J. T. O. Rhinelander in 1903, and was formerly part of the old sugar house in Rose and Duane Streets (see Excursion No. I, No. 46). This is flanked by two cannon from Fort Independence (see 7). (16.) The Statue of General Porter is behind the mansion ; erected 1902. (17.) The Parade Ground, the camping place for the military, lies to the north. It is the site of Van der Donck's Planting Field (1653), where he located his "bouwerie," secured by purchase from the Indians and grant from Gov. Kieft, and about 1676 built a house about on the site of the first Van Cortlandt house (22). Later his lands were called Colen- donck, or Donck's Colony. (18.) Vault Hill and the Van Cortlandt Burial Vault. In 1781 Wash- ington built camp fires on this hill to deceive the British, while he was withdrawing his troops to Yorktown. (19.) Indian Field, on the old " Mile Square Road," Woodlawn Heights, was the scene in August, 1778, of a battle between the British Cavalry and a small party of Stockbridge Indians fighting on behalf of the patriots. A tablet has recently been placed here by the Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., in- scribed as follows : August 31, 1778. Upon this Field Chief Nimham and Seventeen Stockbridge Indians, Allies of the Patriots, Gave their Lives for Liberty. Erected by Bronx Chapter, D. A. R,, of Mount Vernon, N. Y., June 14th, 1906. 8 Van Cortlandt Lake was made in 1700 by damming up Tippett's Brook. (20,) Site of Van Cortlandt Saw and Grist Mills, at the west end of the bridge over the dam. These mills were in active use for over two hundred years; they were struck by lightning and burned in 1901, and the pic- turesque ruins were later removed to improve the grounds ; one of the mill-stones is still to be seen on the bank of the mill-race. (21.) The Berrian Burying-Ground, north of the mills. (22.) Site of an older Van Cortlandt House (1700) and Van Der Donck's House. (23.) Colonial Dutch Garden, south of the Mansion, surrounded by a moat. One of the stones of the old mill forms the base for the pedestal of a sun-dial. SIDE TRIP TO THE WEST. Take Spuyteii Duyvil Parkway west, passing (24.) Thirteenth Mile Stone, near the junction of the Albany Post Road. (25.) Cowboy Oak, near the public school, where tradition says mem- bers of that band of outlaws were hanged during the Revolution. Near by is the Seton Hospital for consumptives. (26.) The Berrian Farm House, at the point of Berrian's Neck, com- manding a magnificent view of the Hudson River. See Cold Spring across Spuyten Duyvil Creek (Excursion No. IV, 39). See also Sites of Forts Nos. One, Two, Three.* Reiur7i on Spuyten Duyvil Parkway to Dash's Lane to see (27.) Upper Cortlandt's, or Van Cortlandt's on the Hill, to distinguish it from the house on the meadow below ; the Stone House was built in 1822 by Augustus Van Cortlandt and is now owned by Waldo Hutchins. (28.) The Gardener's Cottaiort/i to (52.) Boston Avenue, or Colonial Road, the first highway from Boston to New York, laid out in 1672. This portion is now called Van Cort- land Avenue. Above may be seen the (53.) Crlacial Bowlder, in front of the Division Engineer's office, near the High Pressure Pumping Station with the tall water tower. Walk east on Van Cortland Avenue to Eartiscliffe Hill, site of the Negro Fort of the Revolution, on the north side of 206th Street, and two lots east of the Concourse. Continuing east the road passes the (54.) Isaac Varian Homestead, erected in 1776, the old wing (now- destroyed) dating from 1770. An encounter between the British and Americans occurred here in 1776, the Continentals driving their foes out of this house and along the Boston Post Road co Fort Independence. Walk around the Williamsbridge Reservoir to Gun Hill Road and down the Hill to Webster Avenue. ^3 Take trolley noj-th passing (o5.) An American Fort (1776), a redoubt thrown up by Gen. Heath, now located in the southeast corner of Woodlawn Cemetery, On the left is seen. (oG.) Woodlawn Cemetery. Among the 66,000 interments are those of Admiral Farragut and Lieut. De Long-. The Receiving Vault occupies the site of the Valentine Farm House. Nort?i of the cemetery just below the car-barn leave the car at (57.) Washington's Onn Honse, on the old Hyatt Farm. Here Washington is said to have stored his guns, and the name of the adjacent settlement, Washingtonville, is said to have been derived from this fact. Take trolley back to Gun Hill Road and transfer on car to Williatns- bridge. Just south of the bridge may be seen the tower of the (58.) Hermitage, a noted French restaurant. This locality is the scene of Hopkinson Smith's " A Day at Laguerre's " and " Other Days." As the car turns to the north at Williamsbridge Square, there may be seen on the right a (59.) Revolntionary House, painted red, its sides full of holes made by British bullets. The car now runs up White Plains Road, passing on the right the site of the old Williams House, the home of the family after which Williamsbridge is named. It stood about opposite the Catholic Church. To the right, in the Middle of 221st Street, may be seen the (00.) Hnstace Honse, one of the oldest landmarks of the region. On the northeast corner of 222d Street is the (61.) Havens House, very old and containing many historical relics, including the handsome mahogany bedstead on which Com. Perry died. It is said that the piano now in Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh was the property of Mrs. Havens while she was in the family of Gov. Clinton, by whom she was adopted. On the corner of 228th Street stood Washington's Headquarters, torn down about 20 years ago, as it then was in the middle of the street. It was known as the "shingled house." ((>1A.) Old Penfleld Homestead, Demilt Avenue and 242d Street, east of White Plains Road, over a century old. (See quaint inscriptions on old- fashioned windows.) At Demilt Avenue once stood the Thirteen Trees, planted in early days by a relative of the Paulding who helped capture Andre. They have all yielded to the onward march of progress, the last one, a black walnut, 14 measuring 3 feet 8 inches at the bult, having been cut down a few years ago. To the north is the (62.) Home of Adelina Patti, where she spent part of her girlhood, the plot having been bought by her father on which to erect a house. Take Harlem or New Haven train to return. N. B. It might be found more convenient to reverse this trip, ending at Central Bridge. SECTION III. HARLEM RIVER TO HUNT'S POINT. [Figures refer to map III, p. i^, and //, p 10.) At i2Qth Street, foot of the jrd Avenue Elevated R. R. take Southern Boulevard trolley, passing near St. Ann's Avenue, the site of the (63.) Gouverneur Morris Mansion (line of 130th Street and Cypress Avenue), lately destroyed, the home of the Morris family of Morrisania, where Lafayette and other notables were entertained. Gouverneur Mor- ris, the statesman, soldier and diplomat, owned 1,920 acres of Bronx real estate. Close by is the site of the Lewis Morris Mansion, lately taken down. When Lewis Morris signed the Declaration of Independence, he knew full well that a British fleet was close at hand ready to destroy his home. But it never did so. (64.) St. Ann's P. E. Church, at St. Ann's Avenue and 140th Street^ contains a memorial window and several tablets in memory of members of the Morris family. (65.) Jonas Bronck's House (first settler in the Bronx, 1639, see Intro- duction, p. 3.) stood not far from the Harlem River station of the New Haven R. R. The building had a tiled roof, and he " used real silver on his table, had a table-cloth and napkins, and possessed as many as six linen shirts." Passing Port Morris, the car goes near Leggett Avenue, formerly (66.) " Leggett's Lane," along which the British marched, passing a deep cave where the Americans had, while in flight, hidden the bodies of some of their companions. It was near the Longwood Club House. On the right is the site of the Whitlock or Casanova Mansion, which took three years to build (finished in 1859), and was in its day one of the most magnificent houses in America. The door knobs were of solid gold, and it had secret rooms and underground passages. Just beyond, the Boule- vard crosses Lafayette Lane (see 71). Under the trees to the right was an old structure, appropriately called the " Kissing Bridge." A short distance beyond is 15 ^Ss^$:- .,,,,^ Map III. The Bronx about iS8o. (From an old print.) (67.) Fox Corners, where may be seen the grand old " Foxhurst Man- sion," built by W. W. Fox in 1848. Near it are (68.) " Ambleside," the residence of the Simpsons, and " Briarhtside," that of the late Col. R. M. Hoe. Back of Foxhurst stood the old Hunt Inn, built in 1660, from the walls of which many interesting relics were taken. Leave the car here a?id walk back to Hiinfs Point Road. Turn down this a?td pass on the right. (69.) The Locusts, a building of Revolutionary days. Beyond this is the stately (70.) Woodside, the late home of E. G. Faile. From its porch a mag- nificent view may be obtained, while this mansion is a landmark to all travelers on the Sound. See nearby a Cedar of Lebanon, the gift of a U. S. Consul. To the north is the east end of (71.) Lafayette Lane, now widened into the broad Lafayette Avenue. In 1824 the great Frenchman traveled from Boston to New York via Fox Cor- ners and the Hunt's Point Road, presumably to stay at one of the Leggett Houses. George Fox was one of the marshals of a delegation of New York citizens to meet and escort him. It is said that Lafayette " paused in silent meditation at the grave of Joseph Rodman Drake." On the south side of Lafayette Avenue stands the (72.) Corpus Christ! Monastery, with its sombre gray stone walls. Note the splendid view of lower New York, — St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Luke's Hospital, Grant's Tomb, etc. On the left is (73.) Sunnyside, the former residence of Peter Hoe, one of the most beautiful residences in the Bronx. A short distance below (74.) Cherry Lane branches off, leading to the old Leggett dock near an old Leggett House, of which only the foundation remains. Nearer the Sound is the site of the Barretto (often called Blythe) Mansion, destroyed by fire a few years ago. It was of Revolutionary date and was the home of Francis J. Barretto, after whom Barretto's Point was named. Return to Hunt's Point Road near the (75.) Spofford Mansion, then down the field on the right, where are the sites of (76.) The Jessup and Richardson Houses near the spring. In 1660 Gov. Nicholls granted 1,000 acres in this region to Edward Jessup and John Richardson, w^ho bought it from the Indians. Their respective descend- 17 ants were the Hunts and Jessups. Close by runs the stone wall dividing- the old " Planting Neck," styled by the Indians " Quinnahung," from the lower portion, or Hunt's Point proper. In the opposite field, on the long slope below the Spofford Mansion, see the tiny (77.) Legg-ett burying'-ground, whence ten bodies were removed, one being that of Mayor Leggett of Westchester. On the left, beyond the curve in the road, is the (78.) Hunt burying-grouud, where is a stone within an iron railing to Joseph Rodman Drake, author of " The Culprit Fay," " Bronx " and " Ode to the American Flag." It is "a modest shaft, half hidden by^the tangle of bushes and wild flowers that border the road, marking the grave of a poet who knew and loved our own neighborhood in the early days when all was country-like and the city far away." The inscription reads Sacred to the Memory of Joseph Rodman Drake, M. D,, who died Sept. 2ist, 1820. " None knew him but to love him ; None named him but to praise." Among the relics of the old Hunt Inn is a pane of glass from one of the windows on which were written with a diamond the names of Drake and Nancy Leggett, joined at the end with a bracket and the single word " Love.'* Across the road is the (79.) Grraveyard of the Slaves of early residents, among them being •' Bill," the colored pilot of The Hussar (see 106). Further down on the left across the bridge are (80.) Lord Howe's intrencliments among a handsome group of trees. It is said that they were thrown up by him in the Revolution. At the ex- treme end of the Point is the old (81.) Hunt Mansion, dating back to 1688, and built in four sections as the residents gradually added to their wealth, the most ancient mansion on an estate which for 200 years has been known as Hunt's Point. Return by road to the Souther?i Boulevard afid take trolley home. iS daCDir^MES^ MAP IV. (Made for the City History Club of New York.) Figures correspond with those in Excursion No. IX. % Marks Elevated R. R. Stations. I Marks Subway Stations. X Marks N. Y. and H. R. R. R. Stations. Adapted from map of Bronx, by courtesy of August R. Ohman, Publisher and Engineer, 97 Warren St., New York City. Map 19 SECTION IV. WESTERN MORRISANIA, FORDHAM AND BRONX PARK. {Figures refer to Map II, p. lo, and IV, p. iS.) Third Avenue Elevated to i66th Street, or Subway to I4gth Street and Third Avenue Elevated to i66th Street. Go west on idyth Street, (82.) Old Stone Gate House, below 167th Street west of Third Avenue. This is the oldest building in Morrisania and the only one standing that was there before the village was formed in 1848. (83.) Win. H. Morris Mansion (near Findlay Avenue), built in 1816, near the site of an older house erected in 1795 by James Morris. Just west of this is the old (84.) Morris Farm House, dating from 1792, a quaint stone structure. Take trolley north toClaremont Park, in which is the solid stone (85.) Zborowslii Mansion, the present headquarters of the Bronx Park Department. It was built in 1859, and is evidently on the site of an older building dating about 1676. Beyond this is the famous (86.) Black Swamp, where cattle have been lost ever since the time of the Indians, and which for years defied all efforts of contractors to fill it up. Trolley east on Tre7nont Avenue, passing near the site of the Bathgate Homestead, home of the old family of that name, and north on Third Avenue trolley. At 176th Street is the site of the Bathgate Avenue House, a very old structure, recently destroyed. On the east, in the grounds of the Home for Incurables at i82d Street, is the (87.) Jacob Lorillard House, now the home of the medical superin tendent. Here Poe once recited his famous " Raven." Leave trolley at Pelhani Avenue and walk east to IVayhington Avenue. (88.) Powell Farm House, Fordham's oldest house, said to be haunted. (89.) Stentou Residence, scene of the recent murder (1906), having secret rooms. In the rear stood an old barn, recently burned, said to have sheltered Washington's horses during the Revolution. In front is the great Stenton Willow, 300 years old. Walk to Fordha?n Square. (90.) Nolan's Hotel, where Washington is said to have stopped when he stabled his horses in the Stenton barn. Walk west up the hill along the Kingsbridge Road to the (91.) Poe Cottai^e, where Edgar Allan Poe lived in I845-49, and wrote many of his poems. Here his invalid wife died and was buried from the Fordham Dutch Reformed Church further along on the same road (No. 46). Just opposite is an old cherry tree, into which the poet used to climb and throw the fruit to his wife. (92.) White House, where lived an old lady who used to supply Poe with the necessities of life during his deepest poverty. Return to Fordham Road and go west to the (93.) Yaleiitine Farm House (near Concourse), remodeled into a hand- some residence. Go back to Webster Avenue and take north-bound car, passing on the right (94 ) The grounds of Fordham University, or St. John's College (founded 1841), where once was Rose Hill Manor, on which stood the Rose Hill Manor House and the old Manor Farm House. Here was born Andrew Corsa, the last of the famous Westchester guides to Washington, Rochambeau, etc. Leave the trolley at Bronx Park station and visit the (95.) Botanical Museum; (96.) Horticultural Hall; (97.) Hemlock Grove (Forest Congress); (98.) The Indian Well (Bath or Basin) ; (99.) Lorillard Falls; (100.) Lorillard Mansion; (loi.) The Old Fashioned Flower Garden (Pierre Lorillard's famous "Acre of Roses") ; (102.) The Lorillard Snuff Mill; (103.) Zoological Gardens; (104.) Rocking Stone,, near the restaurant. Return via Subzuay from West Farms station. SECTION V. THROGG'S NECK AND WESTCHESTER. {Figures refer to Map III, p. /j.) Party of 15 adults may secure j)ass in advance from Commandant, Ft. Schuyler, to go on Government boat Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. Take Govertimejit boat for Fort Schuyler, passing en route (105.) Port Morris, where the Great Eastern anchored after her first trip to New York. Close by the (106.) British Frigate-of-war Hussar sank (Nov. 23, 1780), reported laden with a mass of British gold and American prisoners. Numerous attempts have been made to recover the treasure, but in vain. (See Sect. Ill, No. 79.) 21 (107.) North and South Brothers Islands, the former containing the City Isolation Hospital. A few feet off this shore, on June 15, 1904, sank the ill-fated General Slocum. (108.) Hunt's Point, where can be seen the old Hunt Mansion (1688). On this neck lies buried Joseph Rodman Drake. (See Section HI, Nos. 78, 81.) (109.) Bronx River. During the Revolution the British fleet received orders "to proceed up the Bronx and attack the Yankees in hiding above ! " An English officer reported, " We have crossed the Bronx without the loss of a single man !" (110.) Clason's Point, where Thos. Cornell settled in 1643. An ancient farm house, formerly standing close to the shore, is declared to have been (in.) Lord Howe's headquarters prior to the battle of Pell's Point. Some of its stones have found their way into the structure of the Clason's Point Inn, part of which is the house constructed by Cornell. Cornell's house the year in which he arrived. (112.) Screven's Point (mouth of Westchester Creek), where may be seen the old Willfins Farm House and the Wilkins Homestead. Here the Sewanoe Indians had a fortified castle, whence the present name " Castle Hill.' At this point Adrian Block saw Indians and their wigwams on his voyage of discovery (1614). Within the Wilkins Homestead sev- eral Loyalist clergymen, including Rev. Isaac Wilkins, rector of St. Peter's, and Right Rev. Samuel Seabury, the Bishop, were hidden in a secret chamber. (113.) Zereg-a's or Ferris (Ferry) Point, called " Grove Siah's " by its colonial owner, Josiah Hunt, whose father, Thos. Hunt, received a patent for it from Gov. Nicholls. On this point stands the Ferris Mansion, built in 1687. (114.) Throg^s Point, styled in old records "Frog's Point," at the extremity of which stands Fort Scliuyler, where the boat lands. The fort was established about 1830. Throgg is an abbreviation of Throckmorton, named for the colonist who settled here in 1642, obtaining his land brief from the Dutch. One of his companions was Roger Williams. Follow the Throgg s Neck Road to the Eastern Boulevard, On the left is the extensive Havemeyer estate, where the British, under Howe, landed for their attack on Westchester, Ocl. 12, 1776. (115.) Hammond House, erected in 1800 by Abijah Hammond, and 22 remodeled by Mr. Havemeyer of sugar refinery fame. Beyond the fence is the (116.) Roberts Homestead, former home of the founder of Roberts College, Constantinople. Across the lane is the Van Schaick Mansion, in the grounds of which is a Cedar of Lebanon, declared to be the finest specimen of its kind in the United States. Follow the E. BoulevaTci to the Middletowti Road. (117.) Ferris House, in the Westchester Country Club grounds, claimed to have been Howe's headquarters. Marks on the staircase are declared to have been made by the hoof of one of his officer's horses. On the south is the original (118.) Ferris House, once owned by the well-known family of that name. Follow E. Bouleva?'d and the Pelhain Road, then turn north a short dis- tance, and see (119.) Tlie Spy Oak, said to be the largest of its kind east of the Rockies. It is said that a spy was hanged from this tree during the Revo- lution, and there are many other tales told of it. (120.) The 01(1 Paul House is just north. Return to Pelham Road and cross the (121.) Westchester Creek Causeway, where, on October 12th, 1776, was fought an important battle between the Americans under Heath and the British under Howe. The patriots ripped up the planking of the old causeway just before the enemy reached the spot, and greeted their approach with a volley, repulsing them. Two days later the English brought up their cannon and began a fortification where the Westchester Presbyterian Church now stands, but they withdrew their troops and guns a few days later. Howe then sought to join with the Hessians near New Rochelle, a feat accomplished only after a desperate struggle with Glover at Pelham 's Neck. (See Section VI.) Westchester Village was called by the Dutch " Vredeland," or Land of Peace. The site was purchased from the Indians in 1654 by Thos. Pell, and was described as "all that tract of land called Westchester." (122.) Old Bowue House, west of the causeway, now used as a store. (123.) St. Peter's Church, on Westchester Avenue, fourth building on this site, the first having been erected in 1700. The chime of bells is said to have been presented to the church in the time of Queen Anne. The churchyard contains stones dating back to 181 3. Beyond the Sunday 23 School building is the site of an old Quaker Meeting House, while another stood just west. Both were destroyed by fire, it is said, on the same night. Near by flows the (124.) Indian Brook, on the banks of which the celebrated George Fox is said to have addressed the first Quaker meeting held in America. To the west is (125.) St. Peter's Rectory (15th Street and Avenue B), standing on land forming part of the "Ancient Glebe," given by the town in 1703. Return by trolley to the Third Avenue Elevated or Subway. SECTION VI. CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM BAY PARK. [Figures refer to map V, p. 2g.) (Latter part of trip recommended as a carriage or bicycle trip.) At I2gth Street station of the Third Avenue Elevated take Harlem River Branch of the New Haven R. R. to Bartow [trains leave 13 minutes before every hour). At Bartow take horse car for City Island, passing site of (126.) Indian buryin^-ground, where Indian remains have been found. There were two Indian villages on this neck, one near the Eastern Boulevard and one on the very extremity of Pelham Neck. Before cross- ing the bridge see the (127.) Marshall Mansion, or Colonial Inn. While crossing the new bridge, see just north of the present structure the approaches of the (128.) Old City Island Bridge, originally spanning the Harlem at Harlem Village. Previous to its erection here, City Island was reached by a ferry. City Island, " the Pearl of the Sound," or " Gem of the Ocean." re- ceived its present name because a city was planned here to outstrip New York. It is said that the oyster culture started here. Note the rural ap- pearance of streets and houses. At the etid of the line, walk on to the end of the island, passi?ig on the left the (129.) Horton Homestead, the oldest house on the island. Most of City Island was once comprised in the Horton Farm. From the dock see view of the Sound. Close by is the Belden Mansion, with extensive grounds, at Belden's Point. To the shipyard here some of America's Cup Defenders are sent to be broken up into scrap-iron. 24 Returning, go to the right at Ditniars Street for the (130.) Macedonia Hotel, on the eastern shore. Read the inscription — stating that the wing is part of an English frigate captured during the War of 1 812. Visit the old cabin and see the mast-hole, hammock-hooks and iron ring to fasten the guns, also the officers' staterooms. See from here Hart's Island, the " Potter's Field" of New York City. Take the car back to (131.) Glover's Rock. Read the tablet— (erected by the Mt. Ver- non Chapter of the D. A. R. in 1901), describing the Battle of Pell's Point (Oct. 18, 1776), which began near this rock, when 750 men under Col. Clover detained Howe long enough for Washington to reach White Plains in safety. Cannon-balls were found here when the railroad track was being constructed. At the Eastern Boulevard go east quarter of a mile to (132.) Bartow Mansion. Not far away is the site of the original Pell House, though some say that it was on the extreme end of Pelham Neck. Many interesting tales are told of this house, under the title " Mysteries of a Pelham Farm House." In the centre of a large field in iront stands what is claimed to be (133.) Pell Treaty Oak, the famous tree where Thomas Pell in 1654 signed the treaty with the Sewanoe Indians, purchasing about 10,000 acres from them (see Comfort's History of the Bronx, p. 53). Between the Bartow Mansion and the Sound is the (131-.) Pell family Burial-ground. Note the four (modern) stone corner-posts, with the emblem of the Pell family, A Pelican Gorged, and each bearing a different inscription. Read the inscription on the large centre stone. Return to the Boulevard and continue to the white stone gate-posts leading to (135.) Hunter's Island, where see the Hunter-Iselin Mansion. On the southeast side of the island are said to be the great Indian rock *' Mishow " and the graves of two Indian sachems. The Indian name for this region was " Laaphawachking," the place of stringing beads. Take the right-hand road over to Hunter s Island leading to the (136.) Twin Islands, on the second of which stands the Ogden Man- sion. From this point a fine marine view may be enjoyed. See the 25 (137.) Stepping Stones Light, so called from its location on one of the " Devil's Stepping Stones," an irregular line of rocks jutting out into the Sound. According to an old legend the Evil One made his retreat over these stones from Westchester County to Long Island to escape the ven- geance of his Indian foes. Heaping up all the stones he could find in Long Island at Cold Spring, he hurled them at his enemies in Westchester, thus accounting for the number of boulders in Westchester and the free- dom from them in Long Island. In a boulder southeast of Eastchester may be seen the likeness of a foot said to be the Devil's imprint. Returti on the Boulevard to Prospect Hill Avenue {Split Rock Road), along which Glover's gallant men so stubbornly resisted the advancing British. Follow Split Rock Road to the (138.) Collins House, or Joshua Pell Mansion, one of the ancient Pell homes. (139.) Split Eock is a gigantic boulder, cleft squarely in twain, a good sized tree growing in the crevice. Tradition states that the early home of Ann Hutchinson (for whom the Hutchinson River is named) was near this spot. She came here in 1642 with her younger children and her son-in-law, and in the same year her cabin was burned by the Indians, and all but one of her family were killed, her eight-year-old daughter escaping,, only to be captured. Some say she perished on the crest of Split Rock. Continue to Boston Road, and then follow Wolfs Lane, line of the American retreat. At the corner of this lane and Boston Road is another (140.) Pell House, remodeled and modernized. At the foot of the hill is another (141.) Pell Mansion, perhaps the finest of all. with its splendid col- umns and iron lattice-work, and the family coat of-arms. In the woods near by is the (142.) Lord Howe Chestnut, where Howe and his generals lunched on Oct. 18, 1776, while resting during their pursuit of the Americans. Some say that they lunched at the Pell House (140), taking the old lady's last turkey. (143.) Hutchinson Rirer Bridge, where the battle of Pell's Point ended and the day was saved for Washington. This bridge is on the line of the original Boston Road, opened in 1672. Take trolley to Mt. Vernon and train or trolley home. 26 SECTION VII. EASTERN MORRISANIA AND WEST FARMS TO EASTCHESTER. {Figures refer to Map II, p. 16, I V, p. 18, and V, p. 2p.) Take Third Avenue Elevated R. R. or Lenox Avenue Subway Express to I4gth Street and Third Avenue and change to a north-bound West Farms trolley, running along Third A^fenue (formerly the old Post Road) to West Farms and Eastchester, passing on the right at 156th Street the site of the old School-house where many of the children of the early residents received their first training. Near the 36th Precinct Station, the Avenue turns to the right, crossing where once flowed Old Mill Brook, the division line in thousands of titles for real estate. On its banks once stood the old Morrisania mill, thus giving it the title of the Saw Mill Brook. At i6ist Street is the new Court House on the site of the old Hammer Hotel. West on Third Avenue, near 163d Street, stood the shingled Georgi House, one of the three buildings standing on Gouvemeur Morns' farm in 1848 when he sold it to be cut up into building lots to form the village of Morrisania. Here the car climbs the steep hill of Boston Road. What is now Third Avenue north of this point was once the narrow and shaded Fordham Lane, extending through the fields and ■woods of the Morris farm. At Boston Road and Cauldwell Avenue below i66th Street was Pudding Rock, a gigantic glacial boulder where the Indians held their corn feasts, and under the cool shade of which the tired Huguenots paused to rest on their long Sabbath journey from New Rochelle to New York. At i68th Street may be seen the (144.) Teu Mile Stone marking the distance from the English City Hall on Wall Street. Opposite Union Avenue is the site of the Jennings Homestead, known also as the Drovers' Inn and the Old Stone Jug, built 1 50 years ago. On the same side opposite Bristow Street is the second site of the old Spy House, where it was moved on the widening of the avenue. On the east side of the junction of Minford Place is the first location of this house. In this little building, it is said, lived an American spy who played the same part in this neighborhood as did Cooper's spy at Mamar- oneck. Where the Southern Boulevard crosses may be seen the (145.) Old Hunt House, where Washington is supposed to have had a conference with the spy. 27 Leave the car at (146.) West Farms, which still has the appearance of a country village. At the right pass the site of the DeLancey Block House, a noted place for the RoyaHsts, until destroyed in a midnight attack by Aaron Burr. It stood on the land of the Peabody Home, the building following it being known as the Uncle Daniel Mapes' Temperance House. Just north of this point the Kingsbridge Road from Manhattan crossed the Bronx River at a ford. Across the river was the DeLancey estate on which were the DeLancey's Mills (a former name of West Farms). Nearby can be seen the ruins of (147.) Lydig's Mills, built in early times. Just north stood the quaint Johnson's Tavern, an ancient inn where the stage-coach from Boston to New York stopped to change horses. On the east bank of the river rises the (148.) DeLancey Pine, 150 feet high, in the thick branches of which the American sharpshooters used to hide while picking off the British in the DeLancey Block House. " Stands high in solitary state DeLancey's ancient pine." On the left in Bronx Park may be seen the famous (104) Rocking Stone, easily swayed. A short distance beyond is the picturesque and shaded (149.) Fording Place where all travelers had to wade their steeds through the river. Beyond is the old hamlet of Bronxdale, near which is Bear Swamp, on the site of an Indian village which remained until 1689. Crossing the Bear Swamp Road, pass the site of Thwaite's Old Home- stead, recently destroyed. Cross the broad Pelham Parkway. In the woods east it is said that A. T. Stewart's body was surrendered to the family by the thieves. Just beyond is the site of the 13th Mile Stone, while half a mile north is Spencer's Corners, once the residence of an old family of that name. In the woods to the left is the (150.) Underbill Burjing Grrouud, said to have been bought by that family from the Indians. A mile beyond is an old house on the height of ground from which may be obtained a fine view of the surrounding country. Beyond is the (151.) 15th Mile Stone. Half a mile further is (152.) Rattlesnake Brook, from whence may be made a 28 SIDE TRIP to (153) Seton Falls, (154) the great Selou Cave, the {155) "Indian Hiding" Place," and some (lo(>) Indian Fortifications, all concealed in the dense woods. Beyond Rattlesnake Brook is the quaint and curious old (157.) Tillage of Eastcliester. On the right of the road may be seen Revolutionary Odell's Barns, almost in ruins. Walk down Mill Lane to the (158.) Reid's Miller's House. On the marshes stood the famous Reid's Mill, a tide-mill which once ground grain for the farmers for miles around. It was built in 1739. Return to the Post Road. As it bends to the left may be seen the (159.) Vincent-Halsey House, the smaller portion being of Revolu- tionary date. Nearby was the old Guion Inn, a Revolutionary tavern where Washington once stopped and mentioned in his diary that these roads were " immensely rough and stony." (160.) Oroshon House, a quaint old landmark. (161.) St, Paul's Church, built in 1765, opposite the site of the first building erected in 1699. Daring the Revolution St. Paul's was used as a British hospital. See the historical collection, which includes an old Prayer Book and Bible. These, together with the great bell, were buried during the war in the Vincent-Halsey grounds. After the war, while the old church was used as a court of justice, Aaron Burr here pleaded many causes. (162.) St. Paul's Churchyard, containing 6,000 bodies. Note the quaint inscriptions on the tombstones, the oldest being dated 1704. Return by trolley to Mount Vernon and train to New York. N. B. Section VII could begin here, the route being reversed. t 29 u . ^>< ^ 6 ^^ ;_ c ^ 0.2 G c/, rt ^. Bo .22 CUV 5 G 2 ^ u i-d -C _ MJ -JJ ^ iVl <" r"g !/) 0! c« S i: 30 PUBLICATIONS OF THE CITY HISTORY CLUB. City History Club Map of New York in the English Period. 5 cents. Club Song (with music). 35 cents. Syllabus of a Course of Lectures on New York City. 25 cents. * Teachers' Handbook : Outlines of a Course of Study in Local Geogra- phy, History and Government. 25 cents. "Graphic Views of Government" (to illustrate the relations of our National, State and City Governments), to cents (revised 1906). Syllabus of the Government of N. Y. City, 25 cents (in preparation). HISTORICAL EXCURSION LEAFLETS, 5 cents each. *No. L— City Hall to Wall Street (Revised 1905). *No. n. — Greenwich Village and Lispenard's Meadows (Revised 1906). * No. HL — The Bowery and East Side. * No. IV. — Central Park to Kingsbridge. * No. v.— The 19th Century City : 14th Street to i loth Street. . * No. VL — Fraunces' Tavern. * No. VH. — South of Wall Street (Revised 1905, with new maps). * No. VHL — Historic Brooklyn. No. IX. — Historic Bronx (1906), price 10 cents. No. X. — " Richmond (1906). No. XI. — " Queens (in preparation). No. XII. — " Brooklyn, Part II. (in preparation). * Supplement B. — Additions and Corrections, 1906. CLUB GAME.— 25 cents. * ILLUSTRATIONS.— The Club publishes 45 small pictures of the famous men, buildings and events of local history. 25 cents per set. ILLUSTRATED LECTURES on City History and Government may be arranged for children or adults at from $3.00 to $10.00 per lecture plus lantern expenses. Regular classes may also be arranged. LANTERN SLIDES to illustrate local history and government maybe hired at S2.00 per set. They should be ordered ten days in advance and may be kept three days. The Club has recently acquired several hundred rare views. HISTORICAL GUIDES may be secured, the price ranging according to the size of the party and the distance covered, the minimum fee being $3.00. Address City History Club, 23 W. 44th St., N. Y. City. Office hours: 2.30-5 p. M., Sat. 9-1 ; October to May. * On the Supply List of the Board of Education, New York City. (Nos. 3778, 3967, 3968.) 'U 8655) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 108 670 4 -^ K^ ■^■^ ■^-^ >r *^^4