Seguine Mansion facts for kids
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Seguine House
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Seguine-Burke Mansion
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 440 Seguine Ave, Staten Island, New York |
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| Built | 1838 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Website | http://www.seguinemansion.org |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002761 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1980 |
The Seguine Mansion, also known as the Seguine-Burke Mansion, is a historic house on Staten Island, New York City. It sits near Lemon Creek on the southern shore. This beautiful house is built in the Greek Revival style. This means it looks like ancient Greek temples, with grand columns and balanced shapes.
The Seguine Mansion is special because it is one of the few buildings left from the 1800s on Staten Island. It helps us imagine what life was like back then. The house is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to American history. It is also part of the Historic House Trust, which helps protect old homes.
A Look Back in Time
The story of the Seguine Mansion began a long time ago. James Seguine bought the land near Lemon Creek between 1780 and 1786. His grandson, Joseph H. Seguine, built the main house in 1838. Joseph was a very important person in the area. He started several businesses, including the Staten Island Railroad company.
When Joseph built the house, he also added other buildings. These included a hay barn, a carriage house, and stables for horses. Joseph H. Seguine passed away in 1856. A few years later, in 1868, his family had to sell the house and the land.
But the story did not end there! In 1916, some of Joseph's descendants were able to buy the house back. It stayed in the Seguine family until 1981.
Saving the Mansion
By 1981, the Seguine Mansion needed a lot of repairs. It was bought by George Burke, who was known for fixing up old buildings. George Burke did more than just fix the house. He also made sure that the large property around it would stay together. This meant it could not be divided into smaller pieces of land.
Restoring the outside of the house took George Burke over five years. He filled the mansion with his amazing collection of art and furniture. Many of these items he found while living in England after World War II. He was in the Air Force at that time.
After making the house beautiful again, George Burke also created an equestrian center there. This is a place for horses and riding. In 1989, he gave the Seguine Mansion to the City of New York. He still gets to live there for the rest of his life.
Visiting the Mansion
Today, the New York City Parks Department owns the Seguine Mansion. A group called the Friends of the Seguine Mansion helps take care of it. They are a non-profit group that raises money for the house and its grounds.
You can visit the Seguine Mansion by scheduling a tour. The Friends of the Seguine Mansion arrange these tours by appointment. It is a great way to see a piece of Staten Island's history!
See also
