Westchester County NY Government

Residents can learn about the history of Westchester and the county government through a number of sources.

The county's Virtual Archives Web site relates various aspects of Westchester County’s history through the display of primary documents, bringing together government and private records to tell the county’s story. Stories about the people and events that have shaped Westchester’s rich history come alive at the Westchester Historical Society. The society’s Web site also contains links to local historical societies as well as genealogical resources.

Don't forget to take a digital stroll on our African American Heritage Trail, a collection of historic sites which preserves and interprets the contributions that people of African descent have made to the development of our unique American identity.

You may also want to access the history of the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the county police. Plus, you can learn about county services relating to historic preservation and which properties are on the county’s list of historic places.

This account of the first 300 years of recorded history of Westchester County was prepared by Susan Cochran Swanson and Elizabeth Green Fuller in 1982.

	To 1783: Colonial Period to the Revolution The Elijah Miller house on Virginia Road, North White Plains, was one of Washington's headquarters during the Revolution. Mrs. Miller nursed sick and wounded solders in her home during the war. The Miller house is now a museum. Learn more
	1783-1865: The Pastoral Life Smith's Tavern, on Bedford Road in Armonk, is believed to have been built in the late 1700's. John Smith, a former captain in the Continental Army, operated the house as a tavern, post office, and stopping place for the Danbury stage as early as 1797. Learn more
	1865-1920: A Period of Change Muscoot Park, on Route 100 in Katonah, is a beautiful Georgian Colonial house purchased by Ferdinand Hopkins in 1880 and operated as a gentleman's farm. Today, it is a county park with farm animals on display as well as herb and vegetable gardens. Learn more
	1920-1983: Westchester Comes of Age The Medieval Revival style of architecture, also known as Tudor, reached a peak of popularity in Westchester following World War I. Shops, apartment houses, and even gas stations took on the look that during the 20's became synonymous with stylish living. Learn more