Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site facts for kids
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St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 897 South Columbus Avenue, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, New York |
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| Area | 6 acres (24,281 m²) |
| Built | 1765 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Visitation | 11,615 (2023) |
| Website | Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000580 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHS | July 5, 1943 |
Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site is a very old church and a National Historic Site in Mount Vernon, New York. It is located just north of the Bronx, a part of New York City. The church was built in 1765. It is one of New York's oldest church communities.
During the American Revolutionary War, after the Battle of Pell's Point in 1776, the church became a military hospital. The church has a large cemetery around it. About 9,000 people have been buried there since 1704. In 1978, the church and cemetery became a National Historic Site. This was done to protect them from new buildings in the area.
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History of Saint Paul's Church
The church community that started Saint Paul's Church began in 1665. The very first church building on this spot was a small wooden one. It was built in 1695 and was called the Church of Eastchester. The church building you see today was built in 1764. It was not called Saint Paul's Church until 1795.
The Election of 1733
An important election happened on October 29, 1733. It was for a seat in the New York assembly. This election took place on the Village Green in Eastchester, where Saint Paul's Church is today. Historians still study this election. It helps them understand what life was like in colonial America.
The printer John Peter Zenger wrote about this election. His newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal, gave a full report. Zenger later had a famous court case in 1735. He was found not guilty of saying bad things about the government. This case helped create the idea of a free press in America.
The Battle of Pell's Point
The Battle of Pell's Point happened on October 18, 1776. This was during the American Revolutionary War. The battle was fought less than a mile from the church. After the battle, the church was used as a hospital for the British Army.
The church's tower holds a special bell. It was made in 1758 in London. This is the same place where the Liberty Bell was made! People say that George Washington told the church members to bury the bell. He wanted to stop the British from melting it down to make bullets. The bell is still in the tower today.
Saint Paul's in the 20th Century
In the early 1900s, fewer people attended the church. The last regular Sunday service at Saint Paul's was in May 1977.
The church, its old carriage house, cemetery, and grounds became a National Historic Site on July 5, 1943. It was officially approved on November 10, 1978.
Today, you can visit the church and its 225-year-old tower. Rangers give tours and share its history. The old carriage house is now a museum and visitor center. The site opened to the public in 1984. The National Park Service helps manage it.
Legacy and Importance
In 2004, Saint Paul's Church was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County. This trail helps remember the important contributions of African Americans. Saint Paul's is one of only 14 sites on this special trail. It helps tell the story of how different people shaped American identity.
See also
