Journey Back To The Days Of Our Founding Fathers With A Visit To New York’s Jay Estate
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’re likely aware that New York has a long and varied history. The area is rich in Native American history and also played important roles in the American colonial and revolutionary periods. If you’re a student of history, one site you don’t want to miss is the Jay Estate in Rye. This 23-acre site has played an important role in a number of eras throughout history.
John Jay was one of the country's principal Founding Fathers, and the only one born in New York. His family moved to what is now the Jay Estate when he was just an infant, and he was raised there.
The original home that Jay was raised in is no longer standing. The building currently there was constructed by his son in 1838, who used much of the material from the original house and even reconstructed it in the same fashion.
The land's historical importance actually goes far beyond the colonial period. A number of artifacts from the Archaic and Woodland periods have been discovered there, like pottery shards or arrow heads from Native American tribes.
Interestingly, though Jay himself held slaves, he was also a fighter for emancipation and founded the New York Manumission Society that fought for gradual emancipation for slaves.
All of Jay's slaves were eventually freed by him. The Jay Estate is the burial site for many of these people, and the home is listed on the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County.
In 2008, the home was equipped with an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system. It is the oldest structure in the state to have had such a system installed.
It's also home to the state's oldest man-managed meadow on record. The two-acre field has been planted with native species to encourage birds and pollinators to the area.
Regardless of whether you are interested in the historical or natural aspects of the Jay Estate, this is a beautiful property that is definitely worth a visit.
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. Practically all of her free time is spent trapping and fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
