Tarrytown, New York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tarrytown, New York
Village
Corner of Main Street and North Broadway, showing the historic Tarrytown Music Hall
Seal
Location of Tarrytown, New York
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Westchester
Town	Greenburgh
Incorporated	1870; 156 years ago (1870)
Area
• Total	5.69 sq mi (14.73 km2)
• Land	2.94 sq mi (7.60 km2)
• Water	2.75 sq mi (7.13 km2)
Elevation	121 ft (37 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	11,860
• Density	4,039.51/sq mi (1,559.82/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Code	10591
Area code(s)	914
FIPS code	36-73176
GNIS feature ID	0967065

Tarrytown is a charming village located in Westchester County, New York, United States. It sits right on the eastern bank of the beautiful Hudson River. Tarrytown is about 25 miles (40 km) north of New York City's Midtown Manhattan. It is easy to reach by train, with a stop on the Metro-North Hudson Line.

Just north of Tarrytown, you'll find the village of Sleepy Hollow. The impressive Tappan Zee Bridge, also known as the Mario Cuomo Bridge, connects Tarrytown across the Hudson River. This bridge carries the New York State Thruway (Interstates 87 and 287). In 2020, about 11,860 people called Tarrytown home. Historically, the name Tarrytown covered a larger area, including places like Sleepy Hollow.

Exploring Tarrytown's Past

Early Days and First Settlers

Illustration of Tarrytown around 1828

Long ago, the Wecquaesgeek people, a Native American group related to the Mohicans, lived in this area. They were part of the Wappinger nation. They fished in the Hudson River for fish like shad and oysters. Their main village in what is now Tarrytown was called Alipconk, meaning "Place of Elms".

The first European settlers arrived in the mid-1600s. They were Dutch farmers, fur trappers, and fishermen. The Dutch built their first homes here around 1645. This land was part of a Dutch colony called New Netherland. Later, in 1674, the English took control.

The name "Tarrytown" might come from the Dutch word tarwe, which means "wheat". This is because the area was once part of the large Philipsburg Manor, where farmers grew a lot of wheat. Some also believe the village was named after an early settler, John Tarry.

Tarrytown During the American Revolution

"The Action at Tarrytown" commemorative plaque near Tarrytown Station

Monument on the site of John André's capture in what is now Patriot's Park

During the American Revolutionary War, Tarrytown was in a special area called the "Neutral Ground." This was a buffer zone between American and British forces. Because it lacked military protection, people living here faced dangers from both sides. Many residents joined the local Militia to help the Continental Army. They knew the land well and served as important scouts. The Old Dutch Burying Ground has many graves of these brave Revolutionary War veterans.

In 1780, a famous event happened in Tarrytown. British Major John André was stopped by three local militiamen: David Williams, John Paulding, and Isaac Van Wart. They found secret papers in his boot, which revealed a plot by American General Benedict Arnold to betray his country. André was arrested as a spy.

A year later, in 1781, a battle called The Action at Tarrytown took place on the Hudson River. French and American soldiers worked together to defend American supply ships from British attacks. This was an important moment for the Franco-American alliance. George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, visited Tarrytown many times.

Later, the famous writer Washington Irving came to Tarrytown. He loved the area so much that he eventually made his home at Sunnyside. Irving even wrote about Tarrytown in his famous story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820). He described it as a place where husbands liked to "linger about the village tavern on market days."

Growth and Change in the 1800s

Foster Memorial AME Zion Church, the oldest Black church in Westchester County

In the 1800s, Tarrytown played an important role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped people escape slavery. The Foster Memorial AME Zion Church, founded in 1860, was a key stop. It offered food and shelter to those seeking freedom. Many of the church's founders and members were formerly enslaved people themselves.

During the U.S. Civil War, many local volunteers from Tarrytown joined the Union Army. They fought in major battles like the First Battle of Bull Run and Antietam. A monument in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery honors these soldiers.

As the 19th century continued, Tarrytown grew into a busy trading center. It was an important port on the Hudson River. The Industrial Revolution brought new things like the Hudson River Railroad and factories. Many immigrants, especially from Ireland, came to work on projects like the railroad and the Croton Aqueduct. This aqueduct was New York City's first water supply system. Tarrytown officially became a village in 1870.

The 20th Century: Industry and Estates

Lyndhurst mansion

By the early 1900s, Tarrytown was a lively center for business and factories. It had shipyards and factories that made many different products. Immigrants from Italy, Germany, and Eastern Europe came to Tarrytown to open shops or work in these factories. Later, during the Great Migration, African Americans also moved to the area. Many worked for the railroad or at the large North Tarrytown Assembly automobile plant.

During a time known as the Gilded Age, many wealthy families built grand estates around Tarrytown. This area was even called "Millionaires' Row." One famous estate is Kykuit, the beautiful mansion of the Rockefeller family. Another is Lyndhurst mansion, which was owned by important figures like railroad tycoon Jay Gould. His daughter, Helen Miller Gould Shepard, used some of Lyndhurst's buildings to help local young people and children in need.

In the mid-20th century, Tarrytown's waterfront areas were updated. Older, less developed areas were replaced with new public housing, parks, and boat basins. The first Tappan Zee Bridge was finished in 1955. These changes helped the village grow and become more modern. To protect its unique character, the village created historic districts in 1979.

The 21st Century: Modern Connections

In the early 2000s, Tarrytown continued to improve its waterfront. The Westchester RiverWalk was developed, offering beautiful views and information about the area's history. In 2018, a new, larger bridge, the Mario Cuomo Bridge, replaced the old Tappan Zee Bridge. This new bridge includes a special lane for people to walk and bike, offering amazing views of the Hudson River.

Tarrytown's Location and Environment

Geography of Tarrytown

Tarrytown covers about 5.7 square miles (14.7 km2). About half of this area is land, and the other half is water, mostly from the Hudson River.

The border between Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow to the north follows a small stream called Andre Brook. This brook starts on Kykuit Hill and flows into the Hudson River.

Tarrytown's Climate

People and Community

Tarrytown's Population

The 2020 census showed that Tarrytown had a population of 11,860 people. The average age of residents was about 42.8 years old. Nearly 19% of the people were under 18, and about 20% were 65 or older.

Most residents (100%) live in urban areas. There were 4,844 households in Tarrytown. About 28% of these households had children under 18 living in them.

In the 2000 census, Tarrytown had 11,090 people. The population density was about 3,725 people per square mile (1,438 per km2). The village was made up of many different racial and ethnic groups. About 16% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Arts and Culture in Tarrytown

Interesting Places to Visit

Former Washington Irving High School

Tarrytown has many interesting places to explore:

• Carrollcliffe, a castle-like building from the early 1900s.
• Christ Episcopal Church, an old church connected to Washington Irving.
• Foster Memorial AME Zion Church, the oldest Black church in Westchester County.
• Hackley School, a historic private school.
• Lyndhurst, a beautiful Gothic Revival mansion with lovely grounds.
• Patriot's Park, the spot where British Major John André was captured during the Revolutionary War.
• Sunnyside, the historic home of famous author Washington Irving.
• Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the oldest theaters in Westchester County, built before 1900.
• Tarrytown Lakes Park, a park created from an old reservoir.
• The Tarrytown section of Westchester RiverWalk, a path along the river with signs explaining the area's nature and history.
• Warner Library, a grand library building built in 1928.

Many of these places, like Lyndhurst and Sunnyside, are recognized as important historic landmarks.

The Warner Library

Warner Library

The Warner Library has served Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow since 1929. It was a gift from Worcester Reed Warner and his wife, Cornelia, who lived in Tarrytown. They spent $250,000 to build it and gave another $50,000 for books. The library is a beautiful Neoclassical building made of Vermont limestone.

Places of Worship

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow share a rich religious history, centered around the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. This church was the only place of worship in the area for over 150 years.

Other important churches include the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns, which continues the original congregation of the Old Dutch Church. The Foster Memorial AME Zion Church is the oldest Black church in Westchester County. The First Baptist Church of Tarrytown has historical ties to the Rockefeller family. Christ Episcopal Church is associated with Washington Irving and now includes a Spanish-language ministry.

Tarrytown is also home to Temple Beth Abraham, a unique synagogue that serves both Reform and Conservative Jewish traditions.

Education in Tarrytown

Washington Irving Intermediate School

Tarrytown was once home to Marymount College, a college for women founded in 1907. It later became part of Fordham University. Today, its historic campus is a branch of EF International Academy, a school for international students.

Tarrytown has two school districts. The Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns includes most of Sleepy Hollow. It manages four schools for younger students and Sleepy Hollow High School. There is also a Roman Catholic elementary school, Transfiguration School.

The Hackley School is a private school in Tarrytown that teaches students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It opened in 1899.

Getting Around Tarrytown

Transportation Options

Tarrytown Metro North Train Station

The Mario Cuomo Bridge connects Tarrytown with South Nyack

Tarrytown is well-connected by major highways, including I-87 and I-287. It is also the eastern end of the New York State Thruway's Mario Cuomo Bridge. I-87 goes south towards New York City, while I-287 heads east across Westchester County.

The Tarrytown Train Station offers Metro-North Railroad commuter service. Trains travel to New York City's Grand Central Terminal and as far north as Poughkeepsie. Tarrytown is a busy stop on the Hudson Line. Many commuters from Rockland County cross the Mario Cuomo Bridge by bus to catch express trains here.

Local bus service is also available within Tarrytown through the Bee-Line Bus System.

Famous People

• Jacob M. Appel, author
• Adam Badeau, Union Army general and author
• J. David Bleich, rabbi and expert on Jewish law
• Walter Dabney Blair, architect
• Cab Calloway, jazz singer and bandleader
• Greg Fitzsimmons, comedian
• Stuart W. Frost, entomologist and professor
• Barbara Bel Geddes, actress
• Eric Gaffney, musician
• Jay Gould, railroad magnate
• Charles Griffes, composer and educator
• Milo Hastings, science fiction writer
• Washington Irving, writer and diplomat
• Caitlyn Jenner, Olympian athlete
• Rockwell Kent, artist and illustrator
• Bud Kerr, professional football player
• Louis Klopsch, Christian philanthropist
• Moon Kook-jin, founder of Kahr Arms
• Carolyn Ringer Lepre, academic administrator
• Tim Maia, Brazilian singer
• Kevin Meaney, comedian and actor
• Norman Mingo, illustrator
• Sylvia Nasar, author
• Florence Oberle, actress
• Moses F. Odell, congressman
• William Paulding Jr., former mayor of New York City
• Clara Claiborne Park, author
• Brett Pesce, professional hockey player
• William Prince, actor
• Joe Queenan, writer
• Jenifer Rajkumar, politician
• Marcius D. Raymond, local historian
• David Sanborn, musician
• Jerome David Salinger, writer
• Helen Miller Gould Shepard, philanthropist
• Jesse Lee Soffer, actor
• Sam Tanenhaus, historian and editor
• Mark Twain, writer
• Worcester Reed Warner, instrument designer and industrialist
• Mark Whipple, football coach
• Vanessa L. Williams, actress
• Greg Murphy (politician), Congressman

Tarrytown is the setting of Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume.

See also

In Spanish: Tarrytown (Nueva York) para niños