So I am getting pretty nostalgic about graduating (and don't want to study for finals), and figured, what better historic real estate to write about than that of Alexander Hamilton, the man who my college is named after. Although I didn't personally know the guy, I would say he is pretty darn legit for not only agreeing to the Burr-Hamilton Duel, not like he was Secretary of the U.S Treasury or anything, but also for building a beautiful 32-acre country house in Harlem, NY.
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| Hamilton's estate as it appeared in 1802 |
In 1799, Hamilton purchased sixteen acres of untouched land from Dr. Samuel Bradhurst and commissioned leading architect, John McComb Jr., to build a country home on what was then Manhattan's luscious countryside. The Grange, which was named after his grandfathers estate in Scotland, was completed in 1802, and was Hamilton's only home. Unfortunately, he only lived at The Grange for two years because that gosh darn Burr cheated by not honoring his pre-duel pledge.........but alas-- I digress.
The twelve room, two-story, Federal Style home once sat happily on 32-acres of land with unobstructed views of the Harlem River and Harlem Plain. His estate stretched from 140th-147th Street and from Hamilton Terrace to Hamilton Place...I mean, naming a whole neighborhood after yourself... complete legend
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| The Grange once sat on 32-acres of land in Harlem |
Hamilton's family lived at The Grange for thirty years after his death, but by the end of the century, the house was in foreclosure and condemned for destruction in order to allow for the implementation of The Grid. Could you imagine?? That concept is even more wild than The Duel. Instead, the good people at St. Luke's Episcopal Church bought The Grange and moved it three blocks to 287 Covent Avenue where the house was cramped between buildings and completely stripped of detail. In 1924, the house was turned into a museum (okay, we're making some progress) and alas, in 1960 designated a National Historic Landmark and administratively listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
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| The Grange as it appeared in the late 19th century |
I considered adding a photograph of what The Grange looked like cramped and stripped between St. Luke's and some horrific 10-story building... but something tells me that you're already getting the picture. Finally, after forty years of debate and commissioning, The Grange was moved two blocks to St. Nicholas Park where the original porches and the main entrance doorway were rebuilt, the main staircase within the entry foyer were fully restored and the thirteen gum trees that represented the then thirteen colonies were replanted. Not to mention, the building could now stand freely. The complete relocation and restoration took around five years, and The Grange officially opened to the public in 2011!
The Grange, upon restoration in 2011
So, how much would it cost to live in Al Ham's estate... only the most epic Founding Father of all time? Minus the 32-acre aspect, you're looking at a $5,800,000 price tag to own this tremendous 212 year old piece of history.
Although The Grange is not for sale, and most likely never will be, it will always remind me of the terrific four years I spent at Hamilton College. And if there is any such debate about Alexander Hamilton not being the most legendary Founding Father of all time, I will happily accept any and all challenges to a Duel in Weehawken.
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| #HomeOnTheGrange |
