Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’re likely aware that New York has a long and varied history. The area is rich in Native American history and also played important roles in the American colonial and revolutionary periods. If you’re a student of history, one site you don’t want to miss is the Jay Estate in Rye. This 23-acre site has played an important role in a number of eras throughout history.

John Jay was one of the country's principal Founding Fathers, and the only one born in New York. His family moved to what is now the Jay Estate when he was just an infant, and he was raised there.
Gilbert Stuart (painting)/Wikimedia Commons
The original home that Jay was raised in is no longer standing. The building currently there was constructed by his son in 1838, who used much of the material from the original house and even reconstructed it in the same fashion.
The land's historical importance actually goes far beyond the colonial period. A number of artifacts from the Archaic and Woodland periods have been discovered there, like pottery shards or arrow heads from Native American tribes.
Jay Heritage Center
The home itself is stunning and a great example of architecture from the time period.
Jay Heritage Center/Flickr
Interestingly, though Jay himself held slaves, he was also a fighter for emancipation and founded the New York Manumission Society that fought for gradual emancipation for slaves.
Minard38/Wikimedia Commons
All of Jay's slaves were eventually freed by him. The Jay Estate is the burial site for many of these people, and the home is listed on the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County.

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In 2008, the home was equipped with an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system. It is the oldest structure in the state to have had such a system installed.
Jay Estate/Google Maps
The property serves as a haven for a number of wildlife species. Many bird species reside there.
Jay Heritage Center/Facebook
It's also home to the state's oldest man-managed meadow on record. The two-acre field has been planted with native species to encourage birds and pollinators to the area.
Jay Heritage Center/Facebook
Regardless of whether you are interested in the historical or natural aspects of the Jay Estate, this is a beautiful property that is definitely worth a visit.
June Marie/Flickr

Have you been to the Jay Estate? Share your experiences in the comments!

For more information about the Jay Estate, check out the Jay Heritage Center website.

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Featured Addresses
Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580, USA