Here stands Kingsland Homestead. This 18th-century farmhouse whispers tales of early Queens. It is now home to the Queens Historical Society.
Kingsland Homestead was built around 1785. Charles Doughty, son of wealthy Quaker Benjamin Doughty, built it. The Doughtys were landowners in Flushing. This two-and-a-half-story house represents a Long Island half-house. It was a common style back then.
The name “Kingsland” comes from Joseph King. He was Doughty’s son-in-law and a British sea captain. King bought the house in 1801.
Later, Captain King’s daughter, Mary, married Lindley Murray. He was from Manhattan’s Murray Hill family. After her husband’s death, Mary moved back to Kingsland. She brought her four children. Descendants of these families lived here until the 1920s.
Imagine the parties within these walls. Picture families gathering. Sea Captain King may tell stories. The Kingsland Homestead saw generations come and go.
But time and progress threatened Kingsland Homestead. In 1968, the Kingsland Preservation Committee saved it from demolition. They moved it to Weeping Beech Park.
This park was once a nursery. Samuel Bowne Parsons, a 19th-century horticulturalist, owned it. Parsons planted the first weeping beech tree in America here in 1847. That original tree lived for 151 years. Sadly, it died in 1997. Seven descendants of that tree still shade Kingsland Homestead.
These trees connect Kingsland Homestead to nature. They offer a peaceful backdrop. They remind us of Flushing’s past.
The Queens Historical Society now operates Kingsland Homestead. Inside, you will find local history exhibitions. There is a permanent exhibit about the house and its people. You can explore the 300-year history of Queens through primary and secondary sources. The society offers tours, talks, and concerts.
Kingsland Homestead is more than just a building. It is a link to the past. It represents the families who lived here. It shows the changing landscape of Queens. It also stands as a testament to preservation. It is a place where history comes alive.
Take a moment to appreciate this landmark. Think about the lives lived within its walls. Consider the efforts to save it. Kingsland Homestead remains a treasure. It offers a glimpse into the heart of Queens’ history.
The building represents the Dutch Colonial style. It is a typical house from the Revolutionary War period. This detail makes Kingsland Homestead an important piece of architectural history. It is Flushing’s only remaining 18th-century dwelling. It is the second oldest house in Flushing.
Interestingly, Kingsland Homestead has moved before. Originally, it was located around 155th Street. This fact underscores the efforts to preserve it. It shows the community’s dedication to its history.
Step inside Kingsland Homestead. Discover the stories within its walls. Learn about the people who shaped Queens. Experience history firsthand. It is a journey through time.