Historical Landmarks in Rye New York
Rye has many historical landmarks within its city limits. Rye houses the original home site and burial place of John Jay who is the first chief justice of the United States. In addition, Benjamin Franklin’s original milestones fixed in 1763 along the Post Road still mark the 24th, 25th, and 26th miles from New York City. The Square House was built in the 1700s and operated as an Inn for nearly a century. Guests of the Square House in Rye included George Washington, John Adams, and General Lafayette. The Square House later served as a post office, Village Hall, and then City Hall before becoming the museum it is today.
The Timothy-Knapp house, built in the 1660s, is the oldest house in Rye. The Milton and Purdy cemeteries have gravestones dating two centuries. The original Milton district school house, built in 1830, is now a residence. The Rye Arts Center is a colonial building dating back to 1788.