Purchasing land from Native Americans sounds like quite the start. That is exactly how the story of Bedford Green begins.
Welcome to Bedford Green. This is a place with deep historical roots. It reflects the strength, beauty, and heritage of the Town of Bedford.
Back on December 23, 1680, twenty-two Puritan men from Stamford, Connecticut, made their way here. They purchased 7,673 acres from seven Indian Chiefs. The price? An assortment of cloth, blankets, and wampum valued at 45 pounds, 16 shillings, and 6 pence. This purchase was known as “ye Hopp Ground.”
The new owners planned their settlement carefully. They made sure to include a meetinghouse, a gristmill on the Mianus River, and a burying ground. Today, Bedford Green is about one-third of its original size. However, the graveyard and surrounding streets remain much as they were in 1681.
Bedford was part of Connecticut in 1697. A patent fixed its boundaries as a six-mile square. In 1700, King William of England settled a boundary dispute. He placed Bedford in New York. Local residents disagreed but eventually accepted this decision. That’s why Bedford retains its New England character.
The town grew in importance during the Colonial period. It even had a larger population than White Plains. During the Revolutionary War, Bedford Village was in a neutral zone. On July 11, 1779, British horsemen burned the village. Only one house survived. Everything around Bedford Green was rebuilt after the Revolution.
Several key structures surround the green. The court house was built in 1787. Historical Hall dates back to 1806. The library, once Bedford Academy, was established in 1807. A stone school house was erected in 1829. Also, there is a post office and general store from around 1838. These buildings create a classic New England village.
The Bedford Village Historic District was created in 1972. In 1973, it was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Another landmark is the Bedford Oak. Some believe this tree predates the town itself. In 1977, citizens raised money to protect the oak from development. The Bedford Historical Society now cares for the land around it.
The Bedford Historical Society plays a crucial role here. It was founded to save the 1806 Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is now known as Historical Hall. In 1916, Thatcher T.P. Luquer purchased the building from a developer.
The society also took responsibility for the Bedford Museum in 1917. The museum was first located in the “Stone Jug” School House. Later, it moved to the 1787 Court House.
In 1946, the society bought the Jackson House to protect the Court House. The Court House is the oldest government building in Westchester County. It is one of only three 18th-century court houses in New York.
Today, Bedford Green stands as a testament to preservation. It is a reminder of the town’s rich history and enduring spirit. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history that make this place so special.