Conference House Park | Staten Island

Information

Landmark: Conference House Park
City: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America

Conference House Park, Staten Island, USA New York, North America

The Conference House is a historic house museum located at the southernmost point of Staten Island, New York City. It is situated within Conference House Park.

Visual Characteristics

The Conference House is a two-and-a-half-story Dutch Colonial stone house. Its exterior walls are constructed from local fieldstone, giving it a grey, weathered appearance. The roof is steeply pitched and covered with shingles. The structure features a central chimney and small, multi-paned windows. The house measures approximately 40 feet by 25 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

Conference House Park is located at 298 Satterlee Street, Staten Island, NY 10309. It is approximately 15 miles south of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Access by car is via Hylan Boulevard, turning onto Satterlee Street. Parking is available within the park grounds. Public transport options include the S78 bus route, which stops within walking distance of the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was constructed around 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp. It served as a private residence and later as a site for the Staten Island Peace Conference in 1776, a failed attempt to negotiate an end to the American Revolutionary War. The park itself is situated on a peninsula formed by Arthur Kill and Raritan Bay, with a shoreline composed of sand and gravel.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the interior of the Conference House, which is furnished with period artifacts. The park grounds offer walking paths along the waterfront. Birdwatching is possible, particularly during migratory seasons. Picnicking is permitted in designated areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the park facilities. Shade is provided by mature trees throughout the park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. There are no on-site food vendors; however, food establishments are located several miles north on Hylan Boulevard.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the house is late afternoon, when the western light illuminates the stone facade. The months of April through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. High tide can affect shoreline access in certain areas.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical fact is that the Staten Island Peace Conference held at the house involved Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge representing the Continental Congress, meeting with British officials. A local legend suggests that the house is haunted by the spirits of those who lived and worked there centuries ago.