Tappan, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tappan, New York
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Main Street In Tappan
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Location in Rockland County and the state of New York
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 Tappan, New York
Location in New York
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| County | Rockland |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km2) |
| • Land | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 6,613 |
| • Density | 2,360/sq mi (918/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
10983
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| Area code(s) | 845 |
| FIPS code | 36-73154 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0967057 |
Tappan ( TƏ-pan) is a small community called a hamlet and a census-designated place in Rockland County, New York. It is part of the town of Orangetown. Tappan is located near several other towns, sharing borders with places like Alpine, New Jersey and Pearl River. In 2020, about 6,673 people lived here.
Contents
A Look Back: Tappan's History
Early Days in Tappan
Long ago, the Tappan tribe, a group of Lenape people, lived in this area. This was before Europeans came in the 1600s.
Tappan was an important place early on. The very first courthouse for Orange County was built here in 1691. Later, in 1711, the first schoolhouse in Rockland County was also built in Tappan. It was used as a school for a long time, until 1860.
Tappan During the American Revolution
Tappan played a big role in the American Revolution.
- The Orangetown Resolutions: In 1774, two years before the Declaration of Independence, people in Tappan met at Yoast Mabie's home. They decided to boycott (stop buying and selling) British goods. This was a protest against new taxes and the closing of the port of Boston.
- Major André's Story: In 1780, a British officer named Major John André was captured. He had been working secretly with Benedict Arnold, an American general who planned to betray the American army. Major André was caught with Arnold's plans for the West Point fort. He was brought to Tappan, held at Mabie's Inn (now The Old 76 House), and put on trial at the Reformed Church of Tappan. He was found guilty of being a spy and was executed nearby.
- Spy Ring and Washington: A brave spy known as Agent 355 from the Culper Spy Ring is believed to have helped uncover Arnold's plot. General George Washington, who later became the first U.S. President, used the 1700 DeWint House as his headquarters four times between 1780 and 1783. This house is the oldest building still standing in Rockland County.
More Recent Times
- First Baby Food: In the early 1900s, a very early type of commercially made baby food called Cereo was produced in Tappan by Macy Deming.
- Fire Department Celebration: The Tappan Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007 with a big parade. The famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses even made an appearance!
Where is Tappan?
Tappan covers an area of about 2.8 square miles (7.2 square kilometers), and it's all land.
Who Lives in Tappan?
According to the 2000 census, there were 6,757 people living in Tappan. Most residents were White (82.27%), with a significant Asian population (13.51%). About 6.36% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The community has many families, with 73.6% of households being married couples. The average household had about 3 people. The median age in Tappan was 41 years old. The average household income in Tappan is about $167,568.
Visiting Tappan: Historical Spots
Tappan has many historical markers and landmarks that tell its story.
Historical Markers to See
- 1700 DeWint House: Located on Oak Tree Road and Livingston Avenue.
- Major John Andre Monument: On Old Tappan Road and 42 André Hill Road. This marks the spot where Major André was executed.
- The First Court House: You can find this marker on Tappan Green.
- Washington's Camp: Located on Western Highway and Christine Lane.
Landmarks and Places of Interest
- André Monument: This monument marks the place where Major John André was executed.
- The Academy: Built in 1843, this was a private school.
- Cardona House: This stone and brick house, built in 1711, was the first schoolhouse in Rockland County.
- 1700 DeClark-DeWint House: This is the oldest house in Rockland County, built in 1700. General George Washington used it as his headquarters. Today, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York owns and preserves it. Each September, the Tappantown Historical Society holds "Colonial Day" here, with people dressed in old-fashioned clothes showing how life was in colonial times.
- The Manse: Built in 1726, this stone house is thought to be the oldest parsonage (a house for a church minister) in the United States that has been used continuously.
- The Old 76 House (Mabie's House): Located on 110 Main Street, this building has been a tavern since the 1700s. Major John André was held here before his trial.
- Reformed Church of Tappan: On Kings Highway, this church was founded in 1694, making it the oldest church group in Rockland County. The second church building was where Major John André's trial took place.
- Village Church Green: This open space was once the site of the first Orange County courthouse.
- Tappan Tar Barrel Elm site: This was part of a Revolutionary War Alarm System. A flaming tar barrel was to be hoisted to the top of the tree to signal if the British were coming. It was used only once, in 1783, to signal a prisoner exchange.
- Tappan Library: Built in 1750, this library has had several additions over the years.
Tappan in Movies and TV
- Tappan was a filming location for an episode of the NBC comedy show Ed.
- The movie studio of Helen Gardner was in Tappan. She was one of the first film actors to start her own production company, making eleven movies here between 1912 and 1914.
Getting Around Tappan
The Palisades Interstate Parkway runs north of Tappan, and New York State Route 303 goes through the area from north to south.
In the past, Tappan had train service. The New York Central Railroad ran passenger trains until 1958, and the Erie Railroad had service until 1966.
Famous People from Tappan
Many interesting people have connections to Tappan:
- Nat Fein (1914–2000), a photographer for the New York Herald Tribune.
- Cynthia Hesdra (1808–1879), a former slave who became a successful businesswoman.
- John Quidor (1801-1881), an American painter.
Images for kids
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The Old '76 House, established 1755 – '76 House, where Major John André was confined
See also
In Spanish: Tappan (Nueva York) para niños
