How about stepping back in time to an era of elegance? Today we are standing in front of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. This stunning Greek Revival mansion is located in the heart of Pelham Bay Park. It is the last remnant of a time when wealthy families built their summer homes in the Bronx.
Before the 19th century this area was mainly forest and farmland. It was inhabited by Native Americans and later the Dutch and English. In the 1800s the population grew and the area became a popular summer retreat.
Let’s delve into the history of this remarkable estate. Thomas Pell an English physician purchased the land from the Lenape tribe in 1654. The Pell family resided here until the Revolutionary War. The original house was unfortunately burned down. The land was sold in 1813.
In 1836 a Pell descendent named Robert Bartow regained the property. He constructed a grand Greek Revival mansion in 1842. The family eventually sold it to the city in 1888. The Bartow-Pell Mansion was nearly lost to time. New York City acquired the land to build Pelham Bay Park. Many other properties were demolished under Robert Moses’ direction. The Bartow-Pell house was saved because it was leased to the International Garden Club. The club actively worked to restore the building and its grounds.
Imagine Mayor LaGuardia using the mansion as his summer office in 1936. Today the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum showcases several period rooms decorated in 19th-century style. You can explore a parlor two bedrooms and even the attic. This gives a glimpse into the lives of the servants. You can even ring the bells that the Bartows used to summon help.
Outside you will find an elaborate flower garden with a fountain and an herb garden. The intact carriage house is still used as a stable today. Hidden behind the house is a small family cemetery and the Siwanoy Trail. The trail is named for the native Lenape people.
The Bartow-Pell Mansion is not only a museum but also a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. The two-story building features a Greek Revival facade and federal interiors. The grounds encompass 9 acres and include a three-story carriage house and terraced gardens. The gardens overlook Long Island Sound. The mansion is oriented on a north-south axis with wings on either side. The interior is arranged around a square central hall with an elliptical staircase. The first floor includes parlors a sitting room and a small dining room. The second floor contains bedrooms.
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum offers a unique glimpse into the past. It serves as a reminder of the Bronx’s rich history. It is a testament to the enduring beauty of Greek Revival architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty that surrounds us.