Peterboro in Madison County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Mansion

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

1. The Mansion Marker

Inscription. On this site stood the Smith family home, in later years known as “The Mansion.” The house was built by Peter Smith in 1804. The Smith family, including nine year old Gerrit, moved here from Utica NY in 1806. Gerrit began managing the land business at the age of 22. He believed his wealth was a divine gift to spend on the less fortunate rather than on conspicuous consumption for his family.

The Smith home was a model of multicultural diversity and benevolence. Native Americans, African Americans, foreign nationals, vagrants, the poor, or anyone in need, rested and dined with the Smith family, as well as did naturally prominent reformers such as abolitionists, women’s rights activists, and temperance advocates who sought refuge from the regions of reform activities. Guests were rejuvenated by the family’s kindness, optimism and money.

For three decades Gerrit and Ann Smith provided a refuge to those escaping slavery on the Underground Railroad and assisted fugitives in establishing new lives.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans •

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Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 42° 58.061′ N, 75° 41.207′ W. Marker is in Peterboro, New York, in Madison County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oxbow Road and Peterboro Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5304 Oxbow Road, Peterboro NY 13134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Central New York,

and in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gerrit Smith: Abolitionist (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Gerrit Smith: Abolitionist (here, next to this marker); Gerrit Smith: Humanitarian (here, next to this marker); Gerrit Smith: Reformer

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

2. The Mansion Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Gerrit Smith: Reform Operative (a few steps from this marker); The Land Office (a few steps from this marker); Peterboro Land Office (a few steps from this marker); Gerrit Smith Estate (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterboro.

More about this marker. Marker is on the grounds of the Gerrit Smith Estate.

Gerrit Smith Estate Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan A. Dalaba, April 25, 2022

3. Gerrit Smith Estate Map

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2025, by Susan A. Dalaba of Cortland, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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