Conference House facts for kids
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Conference House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Conference House Park, Satterlee Street, Tottenville, Staten Island, New York City, New York |
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| Area | 2.8 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | circa 1675 |
| Architectural style | Dutch Colonial |
| Part of | Ward's Point Conservation Area (ID82003402) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000566 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | May 23, 1966 |
| Designated CP | September 29, 1982 |
The Conference House (also called Billop House) is an old stone house in Tottenville, Staten Island, New York City. Captain Christopher Billopp built it around 1675. It stands in Conference House Park near Ward's Point. This spot is the southernmost tip of New York State on Staten Island. In the 1700s, people called it "Billop's Point."
This historic house is famous for hosting the Staten Island Peace Conference. This meeting happened on September 11, 1776. It was an attempt to end the American Revolution peacefully. The house is a National and New York City Landmark. It overlooks Raritan Bay and is part of the Ward's Point Conservation Area.
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Building the Conference House
Captain Christopher Billopp served in the Royal Navy. He came to America in 1674. He received a large piece of land on Staten Island. This land was about 932 acres (3.7 square kilometers).
Archaeologists have found old shell piles and other evidence. These show that the Raritan band of the Lenape people lived here. They also used this area as a burial ground. This site, called Burial Ridge, is the largest pre-European site in New York City.
A popular story says that Staten Island became part of New York because of Captain Billopp. He supposedly sailed around the island in one day. This feat helped New York claim the island instead of New Jersey.
In 1677, Captain Billopp moved to New Castle, Delaware. He commanded the local soldiers there. Later, he returned to Staten Island when Thomas Dongan became governor. Billopp became active in the local government. He received even more land, bringing his property to 1,600 acres (6.4 square kilometers).
We don't know the exact year the house was built. But an old map shows a building on the site before 1680. The house was passed down through his family. His great-grandson, also named Christopher Billop, inherited it. This Christopher Billop became a colonel. He led Loyalist forces against the American colonists during the American Revolution.
The American Revolution and Peace Talks
The Staten Island Peace Conference
On September 11, 1776, an important meeting took place here. British loyalist Colonel Christopher Billop hosted it. He commanded a group of soldiers loyal to Britain. The goal was to find a quick end to the American Revolution.
Lord Howe, the British commander in America, arranged the meeting. He met with representatives from the Continental Congress. This event is now known as the Staten Island Peace Conference. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge came from Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
The meeting lasted three hours. Lord Howe offered a peace deal, but he had limited power. The Americans politely turned down his offer. This meant the war would continue for another seven years.
Billop's Point during the War
The Conference House is on the southernmost point of New York State. This spot was originally called "Billop's Point." Today, it's known as Ward's Point. The Arthur Kill river meets Raritan Bay here.
On October 25, 1779, a raid happened from this location. It was called "Simcoe's Raid." John Graves Simcoe, leader of the Tory unit called the Queen's Rangers, led the attack. They raided patriot-held New Jersey. Simcoe wrote about it later in his book. He mentioned that boats were supposed to be at Billop's Point by midnight. But they didn't arrive until three in the morning.
Major André's journal also mentions Billop's Point. On October 25th, he wrote that regiments on Staten Island were ordered to go to Billop's Point.
What Happened After the War?
After the war ended, the British left the former colonies. The state of New York took the Conference House from the Billop family. They did not pay the family for it. However, many Loyalists who lost property later received money from the British government.
Famous People Who Visited
Many important figures visited or stayed at the Conference House.
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Adams
- Edward Rutledge
- Lord Howe
- Major General Charles Grey: a British leader at the Paoli Massacre
Soldiers Who Camped Here
During the Revolution, several military groups camped near the house.
- John Graves Simcoe, leader of the Queen's Rangers. He also founded Toronto.
- The 844th Foot, later known as the Essex Regiment.
- Hessian soldiers (German soldiers hired by the British).
- Prince Charles Regiment: Prince Charles William Ferdinand.
Saving the House
After the Revolution, most of the Billop family moved to Canada. A hundred years later, the house was used as a hotel. It was even a factory for rat poison. Eventually, it was left empty and damaged.
In 1901, a politician named Van Name tried to save the house. He introduced a bill to buy it for historic preservation. But the house was not immediately recognized.
The city finally bought the house in 1926. It was in danger of being torn down. Conference House Park was created that same year. A group called the Conference House Association was formed. In 1929, the city put the house under their care.
The association worked to restore the house in many small projects. They built a new roof and stairs. They also painted the outside and fixed the old well. The second floor was restored, and an attic floor was added. The project finished in 1937. The house was officially opened on May 15, 1937. In 1966, the house was named a National Historic Landmark.
