Rye in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Milton Commercial District
Walk Rye History
Milton Road was originally a Native American footpath and one of Rye's first roads. In the 17th century, gristmill roads developed along the Blind Brook. Local farmers brought their grain to be processed into flour. Soon, farmers were shipping their produce on the market boat to New York. Milton Road was lined with wagons waiting to unload farm products at the boat landing and buy supplies from Gedney's store. The area was also a boot-making center. Boots were made entirely by hand, with local residents specializing in different parts of the boot.
Many ship captains lived in the houses along Milton Road, and boat building became an important part of the local economy. David Kirby, Jr. established his famous boatyard in the 1850's where Milton Harbor House is now located. The Kirby boatyard built a number of successful racing yachts, including an America's Cup winner and two contenders. The boatyard, then owned by William Edgar John, also built PT boats for the Navy during World War II.
No visit to this maritime village would be complete without mentioning the Little Yellow Schoolhouse at #630 Milton Road, now a private home. The schoolhouse was built in the 1830s on land given by the Halsted family. By 1898, the school population had doubled from 30 to 60 students and a new brick school building — still operating
this page online
Erected by Rye Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 40° 57.494′ N, 73° 41.342′ W. Marker is in Rye, New York, in Westchester County. Marker is at the intersection of Milton Road and Hewlett Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Milton Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 632 Milton Rd, Rye NY 10580, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rye Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bird Homestead and Rye Meeting House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Timothy Knapp House (approx. half a mile away); Milton Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); The Purdy Burying Ground (approx. half a mile away); Boston Post Road (approx. 0.9 miles away); Boston Post Road Historic District (approx. 0.9 miles away); Playland Amusement Park (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rye.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 6, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
