Katonah in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Homestead Farm
John Jay Homestead
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
1. The Homestead Farm Marker
This property has seen many changes. Over 2,200 years ago, Native Americans lived and hunted here. As the family’s tenanted farm in the 1700s, it produced wheat, rye, corn, and other grains. After Jay’s retirement and the development of the farm in the early 1800s, fruit orchards and mills were added. Jay’s descendants further diversified the farm by producing dairy products, flowers, and vegetables for the New York City markets only 50 miles away. In the 20th century, chicken farming was attempted, but Westchester County’s expanding residential development was already greatly altering the area’s agricultural nature.
The Homestead reflects the life-styles of five generations of the Jay family. It also mirrors changes that our country has experienced as it evolved from a farm-based society to a market-based economy. As you walk along today, picture the farm as it was 50, 100, or 200 years ago and envision the life of the Jays of Bedford.
Erected by Friends of the Jay Homestead. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 41° 15.032′ N, 73° 39.542′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Glasshouse Complex and Herb Garden (a few steps from this marker); John Jay Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); The John Jay Potting Sheds (within shouting distance of this marker); Bedford House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Brick Lot (about 300 feet away); The Beech Allee (Avenue) and Stone Fences (about 300 feet away); The Farm Manager’s Cottage (about 400 feet away); The Schoolhouse and Homestead Lawn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Katonah.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 14, 2009
2. The Homestead Farm Marker
Behind the marker are the herb garden and potting sheds.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
3. John Jay
[ detail from the marker ]
John Jay was interested in all aspects of agriculture. He was a founding member of the first national agricultural society in New York, the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures in 1791. His love of horticulture is well documented in his letters to his children and friends.
John Jay was interested in all aspects of agriculture. He was a founding member of the first national agricultural society in New York, the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures in 1791. His love of horticulture is well documented in his letters to his children and friends.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
4. Tenant Farmers
[ detail from the marker ]
“My farm was from its first settlement occupied by tenants. They have left not trees fit for rails; nor can I obtain a supply in the neighborhood. The stones they could not destroy, and they are the only materials I have for fence.”
Excerpt from a letter from John Jay to his friend Judge Richard Peters, dated November 21, 1810.
“My farm was from its first settlement occupied by tenants. They have left not trees fit for rails; nor can I obtain a supply in the neighborhood. The stones they could not destroy, and they are the only materials I have for fence.”
Excerpt from a letter from John Jay to his friend Judge Richard Peters, dated November 21, 1810.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
5. Farming
[ detail from the marker ]
“I believe that you and I derive more real satisfaction from attending to our vines and fruit trees than most conquerors do from cultivating their laurels.”
Excerpt from a letter dated February 26, 1810 from John Jay to his friend, Judge Richard Peters.
“I believe that you and I derive more real satisfaction from attending to our vines and fruit trees than most conquerors do from cultivating their laurels.”
Excerpt from a letter dated February 26, 1810 from John Jay to his friend, Judge Richard Peters.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 18, 2014
6. John Jay
This portrait of John Jay by Gilbert Stuart and John Trumbull hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington,DC. It was begun in 1784 and completed in 1818.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,015 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 21, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 6. submitted on June 16, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
