John Jay Homestead State Historic Site facts for kids
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John Jay Homestead
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In 2007
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 400 Jay St., Katonah, NY |
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| Area | 58.9 acres (23.8 ha) |
| Built | 1787–1790 |
| Architect | John Cooley and Moses Winian |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Website | www.JohnJayHomestead.org |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000918 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | May 29, 1981 |
The John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is a special place in Katonah, New York. It protects the old home of John Jay, an important person in early American history. John Jay was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He helped create the United States. He was also the very first Chief Justice of the United States. This means he was the top judge in the country.
John Jay lived in this house, which was built starting in 1787. The property became a National Historic Landmark in 1981. This means it is a very important historical place. You can visit the house all year long to learn about John Jay's life.
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About the John Jay Homestead
The John Jay Homestead is in a quiet, natural area. It is located east of Katonah village. The house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of brick. It has a special roof shape called a gambrel roof. There are smaller, one-story sections on each side of the main house.
The front of the house has five windows and a door in the middle. The door has a small window above it. A porch covers the entire front of the first floor. It also wraps around to the sides, where there are other entrances.
How the House Was Built
The house was built in two main steps. John Jay's family owned a very large piece of land. His grandfather bought it from Chief Katonah around 1700. In 1787, John Jay started building the first part of his home. This first part was finished by 1790.
The second part of the building happened in 1800 and 1801. During this time, the main part of the house was made bigger. New sections were added to the sides. John Jay had a long and important career. He was involved in the Continental Congress. He helped write New York's first state constitution. He was also the Governor of New York. Later, he became the Chief Justice for both New York and the United States Supreme Court. He spent his later years living at this home.
The Homestead Today
The Jay family owned the house until 1959. Then, they gave it to Westchester County. The county later gave it to New York State. The state worked to fix up the house. They wanted it to look like it did when John Jay lived there. After the repairs, it opened as a historic site.
In 1977, a group called the Friends of John Jay Homestead was started. This group helps people learn more about the site. They raise money and offer help to keep the Homestead preserved. They also help with its restoration and educational programs. The house was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1981.
Legacy and Importance
In 2004, the John Jay Homestead was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County. This trail includes 16 important historical sites. These sites help tell the story of African Americans in Westchester County. Other places on the trail include the Rye African-American Cemetery and Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site.
Images for kids
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Portrait of John Jay by Gilbert Stuart, 1794
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South perspective view in 1961 (HABS)
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