Home on the Grange

By Linda Tancs

Founding father Alexander Hamilton named his New York home “The Grange” to acknowledge his Scottish ancestry. Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, Hamilton became a pivotal aide to George Washington as well as the first Secretary of the Treasury and was instrumental in creating the U.S. Constitution. Hamilton commissioned architect John McComb Jr. to design a Federal-style country home on a 32-acre estate in upper Manhattan. Completed in 1802, Hamilton was only able to enjoy Hamilton Grange for two years. On July 11, 1804, he was fatally wounded in a duel with his personal and political rival, Vice President Aaron Burr. Believed to be the only home Alexander Hamilton ever owned, its period rooms are best viewed with a ranger-guided tour.