You CAN Learn Something New

I have started volunteer work at The Conference House, a 17th Century stone manor located at the southern tip of Staten Island. It was home to the Billopp family but is more famous for the events of September 11, 1776. It hosted the only peace conference held during the American Revolution, attended by John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Edward Routledge of South Carolina as well as Lord Richard Howe. The conference wasn't a success and the Billopp house remained a British garrison as the war raged on. The Billopp family, prominent Loyalists, fled New York for Nova Scotia in 1779, though they weren't living in the house after the second abduction of Col. Billopp--from his own bed!

I give tours and was working with another gentleman this past weekend. After our shift was over (a very busy shift, I might add), we were talking and he informed of the Battle of Staten Island. A Revolutionary War battle had taken place on our humble island...and even more surprising to me, it had occurred down the block from my house, on the shores of the Arthur Kill! In August of 1777, Howe was evacuating New York, starting what would be known as the Philadelphia Campaign (resulting in the successful capture of the colonial capital). Gen. John Sullivan led troops across from New Jersey to Blazing Star, now known as Rossville/Charleston. However, their guide across the Arthur Kill was a Tory and ruined their surprise. The enemy met them and a fight ensued. Prisoners were taken and men were killed. The Americans retreated, embarrassed.

Who knew a battle had occurred so close to where I live? I should campaign to have a New York Historic Site blue sign put up to commemorate it.

If you wish to visit the Conference House, go to this website for more information. Tours are given every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Come! It's an interesting house with a fascinating history located in a beautiful park next to the water. The weather is perfect.