Larchmont Avenue Church
60 Forest Park Ave., Larchmont, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first American chess tournament was held in New York City in 1843, and it was won by a 21-year-old named Paul Morphy.
European colonization of Westchester began in the early 1600s, when Dutch settlers established trading posts and farms in the area. The Dutch West India Company purchased land from Native American tribes and built settlements along the Hudson River, including present-day Yonkers and Tarrytown. In 1674, Westchester came under English rule as part of the Province of New York, and English towns and cities began to emerge.
During the American Revolution, Westchester County played a crucial role as a strategic location between the British-held city of New York and the Continental Army's headquarters in the Hudson Valley. Several major battles and skirmishes took place in the area, including the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Westchester residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the British Crown and others fighting for American independence.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Westchester experienced rapid industrialization and suburbanization. The construction of railroads and the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 facilitated the growth of commuter suburbs, attracting residents from New York City. Today, Westchester County is known for its wealthy towns, vibrant arts scene, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Westchester County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Westchester County, New York.
- 1683 - Westchester County is founded by an act of the New York Colonial Assembly.
- 1776 - During the American Revolution, Westchester County is partially occupied by British forces.
- 1788 - The village of Sing Sing (now called Ossining) becomes the location of New York State's first state prison.
- 1846 - The first railroad in Westchester County, the New York and Harlem Railroad, opens.
- 1872 - Untermyer Park and Gardens, one of Westchester's most famous parks, is established in Yonkers.
- 1883 - The Bronx is separated from Westchester County and becomes part of New York City.
- 1918 - The Bronx River Parkway, the first public parkway in the United States, is opened in Westchester County.
- 1921 - Playland amusement park opens in Rye.
- 1954 - The Tappan Zee Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties, is opened to traffic.
- 1977 - Westchester becomes the first suburban area to implement a curbside recycling program.