Category «Places & Architecture»

Beekman House at Mt. Pleasant New York: Nathan Hale’s Last Night Before Execution

The Beekman mansion was built by James Beekman (1732-1807) in1763; some sources list 1764. Like many wealthy New Yorkers, it was constructed as a second or summer home in the countryside of Manhattan Island north of New York City.   Though modest in exterior, its interior was considered one of the most elegant in all the …

The Morris Jumel Mansion: Washington’s Headquarters at Harlem Heights, New York, 1776

The Colonel Roger Morris House is the oldest remaining residence in New York City, built in 1765. Compared to other major cities of the world, New York City ranks among the lowest in the preservation of its architectural culture. The Morris House, unlike the rest of the colonial estates that dotted Manhattan Island, survived for …

Apthorpe Mansion: 1776 New York City Headquarters of Both Generals Washington & Howe

The Apthorpe[1] or Apthorp mansion (both names are in common use – the family vault uses Apthorp) carved its place in American history early in the Revolutionary War. In the estate’s elaborate living room, General George Washington devised the plan that would send Nathan Hale to spy on the British on Long Island. It was …

Cliveden House (Chew Mansion) and the Battle of Germantown

Cliveden (Chew) House & Its Role in Battle of Germantown The Americans advanced in force caving in pickets, outposts and all resistance.  One hundred British regulars, outnumbered with shot canisters full and plenty of powder, streamed inside the stately country mansion of wealthy Quaker loyalist Benjamin Chew, Pennsylvania supreme court justice.  The British commander, battle …