One If By Land Two By Sea by Thelma of LIPRI

Built in 1767 and once known as the Richmond Hill Estate, The One if By Land restaurant is one of NYC’s oldest and most historic landmarks. The mansion’s original location was where today’s Charlton and Hudson Street are before being moved to its current location on Barrow Street. It is said that because of its majestic stature and close proximity to NYC, General George Washington took residency at Richmond Hill and made it his head quarters in defense of Manhattan. It was here where a young Aaron Burr was introduced. In 1794, when Burr was attorney General of New York, he purchased the estate and turned it into a carriage house. The famous duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804, caused Burr to lose the house. It also said that the house had a straight tunnel built underneath that lead straight out into the Hudson. It is not known as to why or who originally built it. Some believe it was built to smuggle contraband and others says it was an escape route out of the estate. Later on, that tunnel was used as part of the “Underground Railroad”, helping slaves escape to their freedom.

The estate had been turned into everything from a theater, a house “of ill repute”, a silent movie house, a few restaurants and bars and as it sits today a restaurant once again. The current owners bought the estate in 1970 where they began the restoration process. The One if By Land is now an elegant and beautifully established restaurant that has been reviewed and awarded as one the most romantic restaurants in NYC. When you enter the establishment you can’t help but feel its history when you’re surrounded by the beautiful craftsmanship, warming fireplaces, the sounds of the classic piano… and maybe its old inhabitants? It is rumored that this old carriage house is haunted by several ghosts. Including Aaron Burr and his daughter, Theodosia, who mysteriously disappeared off the coast of North Carolina while en route to meet her father. Some of the claims have been unexplained voices and footsteps, dishes and other objects being moved. People also report having seen apparitions as well. Another claim is that of earrings and other trinkets being pulled off of woman while sitting at the bar. Could this be Theodosia making her presence known? No one really knows. The staff doesn’t seem to mind the paranormal activity and it has even been written about in articles and websites. LIPRI plans on visiting the One if By Land and perhaps we’ll have a story or two to tell.

History Courtesy of Humphrey

One if By Land

17 Barrow Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 255-8649

www.oneifbyland.com