Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Van Cortlandt Mansion
Designated Landmark New York City
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
1. Van Cortlandt Mansion Marker
Here in 1781, to deceive the British, General George Washington kept campfires burning in the area surrounding the house while he gained time for safe withdrawal of his troops across the Hudson River. The property on which this magnificent manor house is set was long owned by the Van Cortlandt family. To the north is Vault Hill, the family burial ground and vault. It was in this vault that the City records of New York were supposedly hidden and preserved during the Revolutionary War. The architectural importance of this mid-18th century Georgian manor house is found in its vigorous, straightforward design, using random fieldstone with brick window enframements, a feature typical of many New York masonry buildings of the period, and unusual faces carved on the keystones.
Plaque provided by the New York Community Trust, 1975
Erected 1975 by New York Community Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.
Location. 40° 53.458′ N, 73° 53.694′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Van Cortlandt Park. Marker can be reached from Broadway (U.S. 9), on the right when traveling north. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cortlandt House (here, next to this marker); Van Cortlandt House (here, next to this marker); Adoption of the Constitution (a few steps from this marker); Prison Window (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Porter (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Cortlandt House Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Grove (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sgt. John Basilone (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Also see . . . The Van Cortlandt House Museum. Museum Website, an overview of the history of the house & estate (Submitted on March 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
2. Van Cortlandt Mansion Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
3. Van Cortlandt Mansion Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
4. Marker in Van Cortlandt Park
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, in Van Cor
5. Marker at the Van Cortlandt Mansion
Marker is located on the ground to the right of the steps in front of the Van Cortlandt House.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
6. Van Cortlandt Mansion
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, March 23, 2012
7. Van Cortlandt House Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 750 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
