Chelsea in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Chelsea Historic District

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 30, 2018

1. Chelsea Historic District Marker

Inscription. Chelsea's name came from Captain Thomas Clarke's farm, acquired in 1750, which he named for England's Old Soldiers Home at Chelsea, now part of London. His grandson, Clement Clarke Moore, who gave "Twas the night before Christmas” to all children. He inherited Chelsea in 1813. About 1830 he divided it into lots for "houses of good quality” and got owners to agree to plant street trees. Todey, Chelsea retains its character as residential community around St. Peter's Church and the General Theological Seminary and displays notable examples of Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Collegiate Gothic architecture.

Designated an Historic District in 1970

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1750.

Location. 40° 44.723′ N, 74° 0.148′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Chelsea. Marker is at the intersection of West 21st Street and Ninth Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West 21st Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 West 21st Street, New York NY 10011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James N. Wells Mansion - 1835 (within shouting distance of this marker); Cushman Row (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Richard Ress, Jr.

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(about 500 feet away); The Muffin House (about 500 feet away); Clement Clarke Moore (about 600 feet away); Chelsea Historic District and District Extension (about 600 feet away); Gay Men's Health Crisis (about 700 feet away); 314 West 22nd Street (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Regarding Chelsea Historic District. The district is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".

Also see . . . Chelsea Historic District (Trust for Architectural Easements). "The Chelsea Historic District is located on land that was once the 18th-century Chelsea estate of Captain Thomas Clarke. His descendant, Clement Clarke Moore, planned to divide the estate into parcels for an elegant residential neighborhood. The earliest map of the land division dates to 1835. The houses had to be fireproof, 2 or 3 stories in height depending on their location, as wide as the lot, and have a front yard. Moore’s own estate house was to remain in the neighborhood, but on a smaller parcel of land. Many

Chelsea Historic District Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 30, 2018

2. Chelsea Historic District Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here just above the hood of the taxi.

of the earliest houses are now gone, having been replaced later in the 19th century. In the years immediately preceding the Civil War, the neighborhood was essentially completed with many Greek Revival and Italianate row houses. In the later years of the 19th century, quality multi-family housing was constructed in the district. London Terrace opened in 1930 and was – at the time – one of the world’s largest apartment blocks. The neighborhood never developed into the first-class residential area Moore had envisioned, but it remained a solidly middle-class neighborhood." (Submitted on December 7, 2018.)

Also on the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 28, 2009

3. Also on the building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on April 6, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on August 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.