Midtown East in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mount Pleasant
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2016
1. Mount Pleasant plaque
On this site, from 1763 to 1874, stood “Mount Pleasant”, the mansion built by James Beekman. It was used as a headquarters by Lord Howe during the Revolutionary War because of its commanding view and here Nathan Hale, American patriot, was imprisoned and tried. On the gallows in an orchard nearby he spoke the famous words “I only regret I have but one life to give for my country.”
This plaque is the gift of Edmund A. Stanley, Jr.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.
Location. 40° 45.282′ N, 73° 57.946′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Midtown East. Memorial is at the intersection of First Avenue and East 51st Street, on the left when traveling north on First Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 931 First Avenue, New York NY 10022, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Beekman Tower (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Katherine Cornell 1893-1974 / Guthrie McClintic 1893-1961 (about 600 feet away); Ellen Biddle Shipman (about 600 feet away); Irving Berlin (about 700 feet away); 312 East 53rd Street
this page online
Regarding Mount Pleasant. The building is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The actual site of Nathan Hale's execution is a subject of debate - there are at least three other competing sites.
Also see . . . The Lost 1763 Beekman Mansion "Mount Pleasant" -- 50th Street and 1st Avenue. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry
The plaque is on the original site of the mansion on East 51st Street. It was later moved across to 50th Street. (Submitted on January 31, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 9, 2016
2. Mount Pleasant plaque site
The plaque at the First Avenue side of the intersection
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 27, 2017
3. Formerly Public School 135 / later United Nations School, 931 First Avenue
via NYPL Collection, unknown
4. Mount Pleasant, back in the day...
This lithograph has the incorrect street location.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
