John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

John Jay Homestead State Historic Site John Jay Homestead was the home of John Jay (1745-1829), one of America's principal Founding Fathers

John Jay held more government positions then any other Founding Father. He served on both the first and second Continental Congress, was Secretary for Foreign Affairs, chief negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, two-term governor of New York and most notably, the First Chief Justice of the United States. Upon retiring from public life in 1801, Jay moved to an over 650 acre farm in Bedford. The home a

nd property were occupied by Jay descendants until 1953. Guided tours are available of the historic house, which is interpreted for the 1820s. The historic site also encompasses 62 acres of lovingly-tended formal gardens, magnificent woodland walks, rolling meadows, and a cluster of 19th century farm buildings, including a 1820's schoolhouse and an 1830s barn.

250 years ago today, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced The Lee Resolution, also known as "The Resolution for Inde...
06/07/2026

250 years ago today, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced The Lee Resolution, also known as "The Resolution for Independence" to the Continental Congress. The resolution formally proposed independence for the American colonies from Great Britain. His motion declared the colonies "free and independent States" and laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence.

New Jersey was invaded by the British in 1780. Around midnight, 5,000 British and Hessian troops landed at Elizabethto...
06/06/2026

New Jersey was invaded by the British in 1780. Around midnight, 5,000 British and Hessian troops landed at Elizabethtown Point. They began marching toward the Continental Army's supplies at Morristown, resulting in skirmishes with local militia and starting the Battle of Connecticut Farms. The Battle of Connecticut Farms is considered one of the last major battles in the northern colonies.

Ten-year-old John Quincy Adams was in Paris with his father, who was serving as Commissioner to France when he wrote to ...
06/05/2026

Ten-year-old John Quincy Adams was in Paris with his father, who was serving as Commissioner to France when he wrote to his mother in 1778:
“it is with great Pleasure that I now Sit down to write a few Lines to you to inform you of my hea[l]th & Situation which I like pretty well but I had by much rather be amongst the rugged rocks of my own native town than in the gay city of Paris. yesterday my Pappa received a large number of news papers from america but the 2 armys[sic] were then in the Same posture as they were when we came but I hope they have done Something by this time. Please to give my duty to my grandpapa Smith & to my grandmamma hall & uncle & aunt Cranch & love to my Sister & Brothers I am &c”

"Vermont" was established as the official name of the new state in 1777. First called New Connecticut, the name Vermo...
06/04/2026

"Vermont" was established as the official name of the new state in 1777. First called New Connecticut, the name Vermont was suggested by Dr. Thomas Young of Philadelphia. The name recognizes both the French colonial history of the area and the Green Mountain Boys militia under Ethan Allen. 'Monts verts' means green mountains in French.

in 1779, George Washington broke the Continental Army's winter encampment at Middlebrook, New Jersey, and began moving...
06/03/2026

in 1779, George Washington broke the Continental Army's winter encampment at Middlebrook, New Jersey, and began moving troops northward to the Hudson Highlands in response to British advancement. He paid John Wallace $1000 for the use of his house and furniture during the six month encampment.

On June 2, 1781, Thomas Jefferson’s term as governor of Virginia expired. Due to the British invasion of the state, the...
06/02/2026

On June 2, 1781, Thomas Jefferson’s term as governor of Virginia expired. Due to the British invasion of the state, the General Assembly failed to elect a new governor, leaving the state without a leader. Thomas Nelson Jr. was elected ten days later.

The first gubernatorial election in New York State was held in 1777. Because of the war the results were not announced...
06/01/2026

The first gubernatorial election in New York State was held in 1777. Because of the war the results were not announced until July 9th. George Clinton was elected in a landslide. He continued to be reelected to the position until 1795 when he was beaten by John Jay.

George Washington to John SullivanTo Major General John Sullivan[Middlebrook, 31 May 1779]Sir,The expedition you are app...
05/31/2026

George Washington to John Sullivan
To Major General John Sullivan
[Middlebrook, 31 May 1779]

Sir,
The expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the six nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents. The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and s*x as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more…
I need not urge the necessity of using every method in your power, to gain intelligence of the enemy’s strength motions and designs; nor need I suggest the extraordinary degree of vigilance and caution which will be necessary to guard against surprises from an adversary so secret desultory & rapid as the Indians…
But you will not by any means listen to ⟨any⟩ overture of peace before the total ruin of their settlements is effected—It is likely enough their fears if they are unable to oppose us, will compel them to offers of peace, or policy may lead them, to endeavour to amuse us in this way to gain time and succor for more effectual opposition. Our future security will be in their inability to injure us the distance to which they are driven and in the terror with which the severity of the chastisement they receive will inspire ⟨them.⟩ Peace without this would be fallacious and temporary—New presents and an addition of force from the enemy would engage them to break it the first fair opportunity and all the expense of our extensive preparations would be lost…
Relying perfectly upon your judgment prudence and activity—I have the highest expectation of success equal to our wishes; and I beg leave to assure you, that I anticipate with great pleasure, the honor which will redound to yourself and the advantage to the common cause, from a happy termination of this important enterprise. Given at Head Quarters Middle Brook 31st May 1779.

⟨Go: Washington⟩

On May 30, 1779, British forces moved up the Hudson River with the intent of capturing two American fortifications, Ston...
05/30/2026

On May 30, 1779, British forces moved up the Hudson River with the intent of capturing two American fortifications, Stony Point and Fort Lafayette (Verplank’s Point). The British tactical victory was led by Gen. Henry Clinton and gave the British control of King’s Ferry crossing.

On May 29, 1776, the New York Committee of Mechanics in Union, representing working-class laborers, passed a resolution ...
05/29/2026

On May 29, 1776, the New York Committee of Mechanics in Union, representing working-class laborers, passed a resolution supporting independence from Great Britain. The declaration supported authorizing delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for separation.

Address

400 Jay Street
Katonah, NY
10536

Telephone

+19142325651

Website

https://johnjayhomesteadshs.blogspot.com/

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