Norwood in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Valentine-Varian House
3266 Bainbridge Ave.
About the House
The Valentine-Varian House stands today as The Bronx's second oldest house. During the Revolutionary War (1776-1783), the home was occupied by British, Hessian, and American troops. Financial ruin forced the owner, Isaac Valentine, to sell the home and the 260-acre property to Isaac Varian in 1792. The Varians kept the house for three generations; one of Isaac's grandsons (also named Isaac) served as New York City's 63rd Mayor, from 1839 to 1841. The house was auctioned off in 1905 and donated to The Bronx County Historical Society in 1965, but the land was sold off. The house was then moved diagonally from its original location, across Bainbridge, one block south to its present location in Williamsbridge Oval Park. Although moved less than 100 yards, the house still bears some scars from the relocation. Sections of the house retain the original floorboards, hand-forged nails, and homemade mortar. The home is now the Museum of Bronx History, administered by The Bronx County Historical Society.
National Register of Historic Places (1978)
New York State Register of Historic Places (1980)
New York City
this page online
For operating hours and more information, call (718) 881-8900 or visit bronxhistoricalsociety.org.
Erected by NYC Parks; Historic House Trust. (Marker Number 1100.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.
Location. 40° 52.647′ N, 73° 52.775′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Norwood. It is on Bainbridge Avenue north of Reservoir Oval East, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3266 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx NY 10467, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bronx River Soldier (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Bronx River Soldier (a few steps from this marker); Williamsbridge Oval (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the Redoubt (approx. 0.4 miles away); Marcus Garvey Square (approx. 0.7 miles away); Gun Hill Playground (approx. Ύ mile away); LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building (approx. Ύ mile away); Mother Tree (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Williamsbridge Square (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 7, 2025
3. Valentine-Varian House signage inside the house
Captured by the British in 1776, blacksmith Isaac Valentine's Georgian residence was the scene of frequent skirmishes between British and American troops. This house occupied a strategic location on the Boston Post Road.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 7, 2025
5. Signage for the 2025 special exhibit in the museum about Hardcore Rock Music from the Bronx
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
