Eastchester

Westchester County

About the Town of Eastchester, southern Westchester County, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Grand Central Station, Bronxville or Tuckahoe stations, Town Government, Eastchester Town Hall, Neighborhoods of Eastchester, School District, History | Westchester About the Town of Eastchester

  Town of Eastchester

The Town of Eastchester, which includes the incorporated villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe, is about 5 miles south of White Plains and 20 miles north of New York City. Eastchester covers an area of 3.26 square miles and is comprised of the Village of Bronxville and the Village of Tuckahoe.

"The town of Eastchester has developed on top of a geologic feature known as the Manhattan Prong. This feature supports the characteristic landscape of rolling hills and valleys common in central Westchester. Throughout the Manhattan Prong, the shape of the land surface is closely controlled by the underlying bedrock. Much of this bedrock however, is covered with Atlantic Coastal Plain deposits. Metamorphic rocks that are resistant to erosion make up the hills (including Fordham Gneiss, Yonkers Gneiss, and Manhattan Schist), and Inwood Markble makes up the valleys because it is easily erodible. The Hudson, Harlem and East Rivers, as well as the major north/south valleys in Westchester County are all underlain by Inwood Marble (named for an extensive exposure in Inwood Hill Park visible from Spuyten Duyvil). It is Inwood Marble that became known locally as Tuckahoe Marble, prized in 19th century Greek Revival architecture." Source: Eastchester Town Website About the Town of Eastchester | Westchester  more . . .


About A Town | Eastchester About A Town | Westchester About A Town | Hudson Valley

10708, Chester Heights Park, softball field, swings, basketball court, slides, sandbox, climbing gym, picnic tables and benches, Things to Do at Chester Heights Park, Basketball Court, Picnic Tables and Benches, Playgrounds, Softball Field | Westchester Chester Heights Park

914-771-3311
  Chester Heights Park, a 5-acre park, is located at Oregon Avenue in Eastchester, NY 10708 in Westchester County. Chester Heights Park offers a softball field, swings, basketball court, slides, sandbox, climbing gym, picnic tables and benches. Chester Heights Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Eastchester Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10583, park, Locust Avenue in Eastchester, baseball and softball field, playground, Things to Do at CooperField, Baseball Field, Playground, Softball Field | Westchester CooperField Park

914-771-3311
  CooperField, a 4-acre park, is located on Locust Avenue in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. CooperField offers a new baseball and softball field on four acres in the north end of the Town. A small playground is also featured. CooperField Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10583, Park, Saggese Field, official Pony-Colt baseball field, basketball court, large playfield for soccer, softball, or football, Things to Do at Dunwoodie Park, Ball fields, Baseball field, Basketball court, Soccer Field | Westchester Dunwoodie Park

914-771-3311
  Dunwoodie Park, a 7-acre park, is located on Dunwoodie Street in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. The park offers a Saggese Field, an official Pony-Colt baseball field, a basketball court, and a large playfield for soccer, softball, or football. Dunwoodie Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Snowshoeing | Eastchester Cross-Country Skiing | Westchester Snowshoeing | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10709 Children's Room children story time reading groups | Westchester Eastchester Public Library

914-793-5055
  The Eastchester Public Library is located at 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester, New York 10709. The Eastchester Public Library opened in May, 1967 at its current location. The library serves the residents of the unincorporated area of the Town of Eastchester as well as all residents of Westchester County. The Eastchester Public Library is a member of the Westchester Library System. Eastchester Public Library | Westchester  website and more . . .


Educational Programs for Kids | Eastchester Educational Programs for Kids | Westchester Educational Programs for Kids | Hudson Valley
NYS Library | Eastchester Library | Westchester NYS Library | Hudson Valley

10583, Park, Garth Road, Little League field, climbing gym, swings, slides, benches, two basketball courts, checker tables, Things to Do at Garth Road Park, Baseball Little League field, Basketball Courts, Checker Tables, Picnic Tables, Playground | Westchester Garth Road Park

914-771-3311
  Garth Road Park, a 1.25 acre park, is located at Garth Road in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. This park includes O'Rourke Field, an official Little League field, climbing gym, swings, slides, benches, two basketball courts, checker tables and picnic tables. Garth Road Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Eastchester Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10709, Recreation Park, Eastchester, NY, professional quality Field Turf field, lights and bleachers, bathrooms, snack bar, Recreation Department, summer, Winter Camps, Things to Do at Haindl Recreation Park, Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball | Westchester Haindl Recreation Park

914-771-3311
  Haindl Recreation Park, a 4.5-acre park, is located at 100 Rescigno Drive, Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. Haindl Recreation Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Eastchester Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10709, park, small playfield, playground, benches, sandbox, Things to Do at Joyce Road Park, Benches, Playfield, Playground | Westchester Joyce Road Park

914-771-3311
  Joyce Road Park, a .66-acre park, is located at Joyce Road in Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. Joyce Road Park offers a small playfield, playground, benches, and a sandbox. Joyce Road Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10583,Park, Little League size Ballfields, children's ball field, softball, with stone fireplaces, playground, Things to Do at Labriola Park, Little League size Ballfields, Picnic Tables, Playground | Westchester Labriola Park

914-771-3311
  Labriola Park, a 3-acre park, is located at the end of Burnham Road in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. The park offers two Little League size Ballfields, one smaller children's ball field that can be used for softball, picnic tables in picnic area with stone fireplaces, and a nature area with two tot lots, a state of the art playground with rubber surface, and benches. Restrooms are available. Labriola Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Eastchester Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley

10709, recreational facility, Eastchester, NY, southern Westchester County, Eastchester, Bronxville, or Tuckahoe, affordable golfing, swimming, tennis, Water activities, Things to Do at Lake Isle, Golf Course, Swimming, pools, Tennis Courts | Westchester Lake Isle Country Club - Eastchester

914-961-3453
  Lake Isle Country Club is a Town-owned recreational facility located at 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. Lake Isle is open to all residents and a limited number of non-residents. Town residents are defined as those people whose permanent and primary domicile is located within Eastchester, Bronxville, or Tuckahoe. Lake Isle Country Club - Eastchester | Westchester  website and more . . .


Golf Courses | Eastchester Golf Courses | Westchester Golf Courses | Hudson Valley
Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Eastchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley
Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Eastchester Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Westchester Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Hudson Valley
Tennis Courts | Eastchester Tennis Courts | Westchester Tennis Courts | Hudson Valley

10709, Park, all-weather tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, outdoor volleyball courts, Things to Do at Leewood Park, Basketball Court, Horseshoe Court, Paddle Tennis Courts, Playground, Softball Field, Tennis Courts, Volleyball Court | Westchester Leewood Park

914-771-3311
  Leewood Park, a 5-acre park (just under 5 acres), is located on Leewood Drive in Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. Leewood Park offers six all-weather tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor volleyball courts, an official horseshoe court, and tennis backboard. Leewood Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Eastchester Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Playing Fields | Eastchester Playing Fields | Westchester Playing Fields | Hudson Valley
Tennis Courts | Eastchester Tennis Courts | Westchester Tennis Courts | Hudson Valley

10709, park, Eastchester, NY, southern Westchester County, Veteran's Memorial, Gold Star Mother's Monument, Congressional Medal of Honor Garden, Things to Do at Memorial Park, Garden, Walking | Westchester Memorial Park

914-771-3311
  Memorial Park, a 1-acre park, is located at White Plains Road and California Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. The Veteran's Memorial, Gold Star Mother's Monument and Congressional Medal of Honor Garden and Memorial are located in this one acre park. Also featured are award winning plantings with paths and benches. Memorial Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Gardens & Nature Centers | Eastchester Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley

10709, Golf Course, Eastchester, 18-hole championship golf course, year round play, golfing activities,  golfing, Golf Course Attractions | Westchester Municipal Golf Course - Lake Isle Town Park

914-961-3453
  Lake Isle Park Golf Course is located at 666 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY 10709. Lake Isle is a town owned recreational facility offering a challenging 18-hole championship golf course and nearly year round play. A fleet of over 70 power golf carts is in readiness. Our capable P.G.A. Golf Pro/Director oversees golfing activities. For those who enjoy serious or purely fun filled golfing competition, Lake Isle Golf offers a host of tournaments such as the: Opening Day Scramble, Oldsmobile Scramble, " Meatball" Open, " Beat the Pro ", and others to determine Lake Isle champions. Press "blue button for more about Lake Isle. Municipal Golf Course - Lake Isle Town Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Golf Courses | Eastchester Golf Courses | Westchester Golf Courses | Hudson Valley
Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Eastchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley
Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Eastchester Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Westchester Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Hudson Valley

10709, Park, Eastchester, NY, southern Westchester County, Things to Do at Oakridge Park, Benches, Gazebo, Picnic Tables, Play area | Westchester Oakridge Park

914-771-3311
  Oakridge Park, a .25-acre park, is located on Mill Road (across from Town Hall at 40 Mill Road), Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. A lovely Victorian gazebo is the centerpiece of this one-quarter acre park that also contains benches, picnic tables and a small grassy play area. Oakridge Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Eastchester Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley

10583, Park, Bob Haindl Recreation Park, Eastchester NY, Things to Do at Rescigno Park Park, Benches, Monuments | Westchester Rescigno Park

914-771-3311
  Rescigno Park, a 1/2-acre park, is located on Brook Street (Bob Haindl Recreation Park), Eastchester NY 10583 in southern Westchester County. This one-half acre park contains plantings, monuments and benches. Rescigno Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Gardens & Nature Centers | Eastchester Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley

10709, Park, Eastchester, NY, southern Westchester County, landscaped rock gardens, paths and benches, summer outdoor concerts, recreational events, Things to Do at Town Hall Park, Benches, Gardens, Town Outdoor Concerts | Westchester Town Hall Park

914-771-3311
  Town Hall Park is located at 40 Mill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. The park is set among landscaped rock gardens, paths and benches. It is the site for the Town's summer outdoor concerts and other recreational events. Town Hall Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Gardens & Nature Centers | Eastchester Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley

Park, nature study, stables, riding, bridle trails, Things to Do, Equestrian Trails, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, horses for hire, Nature Study, Winter Activities, Cross-country Skiing, Ice Skating | Westchester Twin Lakes Park and Nature Study Woods

914-961-2192
  Twin Lakes Park and Nature Study Woods, a park and an equestrian center offering boarding, leasing, horse shows, English riding, and therapeutic riding, is located at 960 California Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 in Westchester County.

From Twin Lakes: "Twin Lakes Park in Eastchester and Nature Study Woods in New Rochelle, are composed of two land parcels separated by the Hutchinson River Parkway. The native woodland surrounds a series of lakes that make up the predominant character of the parks. Access to Nature Study Woods is on Webster Road in New Rochelle. Twin Lakes Park and Nature Study Woods | Westchester  website and more . . .


Birding | Eastchester Birding | Westchester Bird Watching | Hudson Valley
Snowshoeing | Eastchester Cross-Country Skiing | Westchester Snowshoeing | Hudson Valley
Horseback Riding | Eastchester Equestrian Facilities | Westchester Horseback Riding | Hudson Valley
Horses for Special Needs | Eastchester Equine Assisted Therapy | Westchester Horses for Special Needs | Hudson Valley
Fishing | Eastchester Fishing | Westchester Fishing | Hudson Valley
Gardens & Nature Centers | Eastchester Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Ice Hockey | Eastchester Ice Hockey | Westchester Indoor and Outdoor Rinks | Hudson Valley
Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Eastchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Snowshoeing | Eastchester Sledding | Westchester Snowshoeing | Hudson Valley

10709, Park, Eastchester, NY, mini park, Things to Do at Wilmont Park, Benches, Walking | Westchester Wilmont Park

914-771-3311
  Wilmont Park, a .50-acre park, is located at Wilmont Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. Enjoy plantings and a sitting area at this one-half acre mini park. Wilmont Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Places To Hike | Eastchester Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Eastchester Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley



Eastchester
Westchester County
Hudson Valley

About the Town of Eastchester

The Town of Eastchester is located in southern Westchester County, New York in the lower-Hudson Valley. The Town includes the incorporated villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe, a census-designated area, also called Eastchester, and a CDP (unincorporated village) called Chester Heights. The Town of Eastchester is approximately 5 square miles, and is situated about 5 miles south of White Plains and 20 miles north of New York City.

"The town of Eastchester has developed on top of a geologic feature known as the Manhattan Prong. This feature supports the characteristic landscape of rolling hills and valleys common in central Westchester. Throughout the Manhattan Prong, the shape of the land surface is closely controlled by the underlying bedrock. Much of this bedrock however, is covered with Atlantic Coastal Plain deposits. Metamorphic rocks that are resistant to erosion make up the hills (including Fordham Gneiss, Yonkers Gneiss, and Manhattan Schist), and Inwood Markble makes up the valleys because it is easily erodible. The Hudson, Harlem and East Rivers, as well as the major north/south valleys in Westchester County are all underlain by Inwood Marble (named for an extensive exposure in Inwood Hill Park visible from Spuyten Duyvil). It is Inwood Marble that became known locally as Tuckahoe Marble, prized in 19th century Greek Revival architecture." Source: Eastchester Town website - Environment

MTA Metro-North Train Stations
For an easy commute to Grand Central Station in New York City from Eastchester, take the train from either the Bronxville or Tuckahoe station.

The MTA Metro-North in Bronxville to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan is 15.3 miles and takes an average of 31 to 42 minutes, depending on the time of day.

The MTA Metro-North in Tuckahoe to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan is 16 miles and takes an average of 33 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day.

An MTA train ride from Grand Central Station in Manhattan to the Bronxville or Tuckahoe stations in Westchester County, average 27 minutes to 37 minutes depending on the time of day.

Town Government
The Town of Eastchester Town Hall is located at 40 Mill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. The Eastchester Police Department is also located at this address. The Eastchester Town Board is comprised of the Supervisor (two-year term) and four Councilpersons (four-year terms). The terms of the Councilpersons are staggered so that every two years there is a local election for the Supervisor and two Councilpersons. Each council member has one vote on the Town Board. Council members introduce and vote on local laws and serve as liaisons to various Town departments and committees.

The Supervisor is the chief administrator of the Town government and is responsible for overseeing legislation. As chief financial officer, the Supervisor prepares the annual Town budget. As Chair of the Town Board, the Supervisor presides over all meetings. The Town Clerk is responsible for keeping records of the Town Board meetings and all contracts and agreements the Town makes. The Clerk processes numerous licenses and permits and also serves as the Records Management Officer, acts as the Registrar of Vital Statistics, and is in charge of running Local Elections. The Town Clerk is elected to a four-year term.

The Town Clerk’s Office is the gateway to government and the hub of the Town's administrative system. It is often the initial source of information about the Town, serving residents and visitors in person at the office, over the telephone and on the Town’s web site. The role of the Town Clerk includes:

  • Maintain Town Board Minutes

  • Process Freedom of Information Law Requests

  • Issue Marriage License

  • Maintain and issue copies of Marriage Record, and death records

  • Issue Handicapped Parking Permits

  • Issue Dog Licenses

  • Fishing and Hunting Licenses

  • Issue Tag Sale Permits


Neighborhoods of Eastchester
Read about the different neighborhoods in Eastchester and learn about each neighborhood, its characteristics, and unique features at Eastchester Town website - Neighborhood Analysis
    "Garth Road, a district neighborhood within Eastchester, is situated at the northwest corner of the Town. Bounded by the Village of Scarsdale to the North, the Metro North Commuter Railroad to the east, Harney Road to the south, and the Bronx River Parkway to the west, the Garth Road neighborhood occupies 36 acres, or approximately 1.6 percent of the town.

    "North Eastchester neighborhood extends from Scarsdale Avenue (the Metro North Harlem Line) in the west, across to White Plains Road in the east. From Scarsdale in the north, to Harney Road in the south. The neighborhood is 116.7 acres in size, and accounts for approximately 5.3 percent of the town.

    "The northern portion of North Eastchester has been predominantly developed into 5,000 square foot building lots supporting single family homes."


Eastchester School District
"The Eastchester School District has a long standing tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to children. We take great pride in our outstanding instructional program, talented educators, and dedication to the community. In the Eastchester School District, children come first. Helping all children achieve academic, athletic, social, and emotional success is our primary focus." Find address, contact, and detail information about each of the Schools in the Eastchester School District.

The Town of Eastchester Today
The Town of Eastchester offers many things to do, and is strategically located within a short distance of the best shopping in Westchester County. A short drive north of Eastchester takes you into White Plains, home of upscale fashion and some of the best department stores in New York. A short drive south of Eastchester brings you to Yonkers, the home of Westchester's Ridge Hill; a fabulous outdoor shopping center of leading fashion stores and restaurants.

For outdoor activities year-round, visit one of Eastchester's parks. The Town of Eastchester is home to Twin Lakes Park adjacent to Nature Study Woods in New Rochelle. Combined, these parks offer 220 acres of woods, marsh, lakes, ponds, and fields where you can go birding, study nature, go hiking, or have a family picnic at the park.

Eastchester offers many town parks, including Lake Isle Country Club, a self supporting recreational facility offering swimming, golf, and tennis. The Town of Eastchester also utilizes a number of school fields and facilities for recreation. Town parks in Eastchester include:
  • Chester Heights Park

  • CooperField Park

  • Dunwoodie Park

  • Garth Road Park

  • Haindl Recreation Park

  • Joyce Road Park

  • Labriola Park

  • Lake Isle Country Club

  • Leewood Park

  • Main Street Playground

  • Memorial Park

  • Parkway Oval Park

  • Rescigno Park

  • Town Hall Park

  • Oakridge Park 'Mill Road Park

  • Wilmont Park

For a description of Eastchester's parks, including things to do at each park, visit Parks in Eastchester. Also visit Playgrounds in Eastchester.

Eastchester offers many things to do year-round. Find things to do in cold weather, or enjoy warm weather activities and attractions. Visit Twin Lakes Park for

Are you a golfer? Westchester County is reknowned for it's plethera of great golf courses. Play golf at Lake Isle County Club.

Spend the day shopping in Bronxville or shop for Women's fashions in Scarsdale, just north of Eastchester. For the best shopping, offering high fashion and fabulous stores, drive a short distance north and go shopping in White Plains. Or drive south to Westchester's Ridge Hill, an outdoor shopping center in Yonkers.

After a day in the stores, select a place to eat from one of many excellent restaurants in Eastchester, restaurants in Bronxville, or a restaurant in Tuckahoe.

HISTORY OF EASTCHESTER


Historic Zenger Trial
Name: John Peter Zenger
Born: 1697 in Palatinate, Germany
Died: July 28, 1746 in New York


Among the famous people associated with the Town of Eastchester, is John Peter Zenger. Learn about the Zenger Trial and its impact on the American Revolution, and the Bill of Rights, First Amendment relating to Freedom of the Press .
    An election held on the 29th of October, on "the Green" at the Town of Eastchester, was to become the most notable election in the whole colonial history of Westchester County. The elaborate and graphic description of the election was published by John Peter Zenger in the first number of the famous New York Weekly Journal, November 5, 1733.


"John Peter Zenger, the printer whose prosecution helped establish the principles of press freedom and jury nullification, came to America in his early teens. His father died during the family's voyage to America, and the younger Zenger worked for several years as an indentured servant for printer William Bradford before opening his own print shop in 1726. Seven years later he started the New York Weekly Journal, the second newspaper in the colony of New York, competing with the Gazette published by his former master. Stridently partisan in its approach, the Journal was relentless in its criticism and lampooning of Royal Governor William Cosby (1690-1736) and his administration, and on 17 November 1734 Cosby had Zenger arrested and imprisoned for seditious libel. Though Zenger had neither written nor edited the pieces that outraged the Governor, as publisher he could be held liable under law.

"He engaged two lawyers to represent him, and both were promptly disbarred. He then called upon an out-of-state barrister, Andrew Hamilton (c. 1676-1741), who had less to fear from New York's oppressive Governor Cosby. At trial Hamilton admitted that the Journal had printed the items in question, but he made the novel claim that because the criticism was truthful, Zenger should not be punished. When the prosecution pointed out that truth was no defense to charges of sedition, Hamilton's next argument, perhaps even more radical, was to tell the jury to not merely judge whether the law was broken but to determine whether the law was just.

"Zenger was held behind bars for 35 weeks but his trial took only two days, and in the next edition of the paper he reported that "The jury returned in ten minutes, and found me not guilty". During his time in jail, Zenger's wife and colleagues had continued publishing the Journal, and continued its criticisms of the Governor. His prosecution and trial, and his letters written from jail and published in the Journal, helped galvanize American resentment of the colonies' British overlords. More than forty years after his death, Zenger's name was frequently mentioned in the debate that culminated with the American Bill of Rights in 1789." Sourced from Trial of John Peter Zenger.

Learn more about the events leading up to the Trial of John Peter Zenger


History And Antiquities
The following covers "History and Antiquities", a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about Westchester County and its towns. When reading the following, remember to keep in mind that this information has been written about two hundred years ago. Population statistics and events have not been revised to reflect current events and perspective. We think this adds to the historical flavor and interest of the writings, giving a different perspective on much of this information and written in an "older world" writing style. "Historical Collections of the State of New York" , Published by S. Tuttle, 194 Chatham-Square, 1841

    East Chester
    "The village of East Chester is situated at the head of a bay on Long Island sound, 16 miles NE. from New York, on the old turnpike and stage road to Boston, and contains an Episcopal church and about 25 dwellings. Bronx is the name of a small settlement and post-office in the northern part of the town, in the vicinity of which are valuable marble quarries. Pop. 1,502."




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