Summer Home Of Soldier, Founder and Philosopher - Hamilton Grange

Alexander Hamilton’s summer home, Hamilton Grange, is located in the Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill sections of Harlem. It has occupied three different sites within the neighborhood, all within the original bounds of Hamilton’s estate.

The house's original site is now occupied by the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the second site was 287 Convent Avenue. The third and present site is located within St. Nicholas Park which not only allowed the house to be placed in a rustic setting but also occupied part of Hamilton's original estate.

Alexander Hamilton was a Revolutionary War soldier and the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. In the late 1700s, affluent city dwellers would move to the countryside of Harlem during the summer to escape the city heat and avoid yellow fever, a seasonal threat in lower Manhattan. The Hamiltons often visited friends in the area and eventually decided to build their own home there.

Their two-story, Federal-style frame home—with a ground-level basement and porches—was designed by John McComb Jr. Once completed in 1802, the Hamiltons moved in, just two years before Alexander Hamilton’s death in a duel with Aaron Burr.

The house remained in the Hamilton family for 30 years before being sold several times. In 1889, it was sold to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, which used it as a chapel and rectory. In 1924, the church sold the home to the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society (ASHPS), which opened it as a museum in 1930. The National Park Service took over its operation in 1960.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

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A portrait and bust of Hamilton greet visitors in the front hall.

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On the first floor are Hamilton’s study, a parlor, a dining room, and two additional rooms. The second floor, originally used as bedrooms, is now used for park offices.

In the first floor parlor, with piano, has furniture attributed to Adam Hains.

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In the Hamilton study.

The formal dining room.

Documentation describing the house’s two moves.

Some of the many accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton.

Looking out the window with a view of St. Nicholas Park.

Originally, the estate had outbuildings that included a barn, chicken house, and shed and spring house, where daily products were stored.

What you should know:

• You could spend about 1-1.5 hours exploring here, depending on your level of interest.

• This is a National Park.

• On the street parking is available.

• The house is self-guided.

• The house is located in St. Nicholas Park.

• Check website for days and hours of operation and if there are any special events.

Location: 414 West 141st Street, New York, NY 10031

For more information: Hamilton Grange

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