Hamilton Fish House
21 Stuyvesant Street NY, NY
Background: This early Federal style residence was built for Elizabeth Stuyvesant when she married Major Nicholas Fish, a hero of the Revolutionary War. It was a gift from her father, Petrus Stuyvesant, great-grandson of Peter Stuyvesant, and was the first of five houses owned by the family on this once private lane. Hamilton Fish, who was born here in 1808, became successively New York’s Governor, Senator and served as Grant’s Secretary of State. Lafayette was entertained here during his triumphal visit of 1824. (Plaque provided by the New York Community Trust, 1970).
Background commentary
That is a very good wedding gift. I have never been married, but whenever I’ve dated someone all I’ve gotten from my father was guff. To be fair, I also do not date war heroes.
National Historic Landmark Designation: May 15 1975, National Park Service, United Sates Department of the Interior.
NHL Statement of Significance: Residence (1808-c. 1838) of President Grant’s Secretary of State (1869-77). During his tenure he proved to be an exceptional manager and added stability to a demoralized administration.
Nicole Marie Therese statement of significance: Nice door. Good color.
Other Designations: 1970, Designated Landmark of New York as the Stuyvesant-Fish House.
My visit:This was visit 3 of 3. The first happened last week in what I called a “dry run.” I walked by without my camera to scope out the first of my NHL visits. The second happened yesterday in what I’ll call a “wet run” because the torrential downpour left me unable to take pictures. Today was nice.
Fun fact: Sometimes these NHL designations are houses in which people still live. This can make visiting and picture taking awkward.
Personal thought: From now on, when people ask me what my five-year plan is, I’m going to say “add stability to a demoralized administration.” Goal!
