Bedford was first settled under a Connecticut license around the year 1681. It was settled at a place called the "hop-ground" due to its natural product. The original patent, dated 1697, bears the Connecticut seal. In 1700 the settlement was attached to New york by order of King William. The original 1680 Bedford settlement was in Bedford Village in the southeastern portion of the Town, with its Village Green and historic buildings dating to the 18th and early 19th centuries. Among these are the 1787 Court House and several homes built after the British burned the village during the Revolution. In 1972, the Bedford Village Historic District was established by local ordinance and is listed on both the New York State and the National Register of Historic Places. The burying ground, established in 1681, was apparently still in use after the Colonial period as the latest headstone dates to 1885. A museum in the Court House is open to the public.

History And Antiquities
The following covers "History and Antiquities", a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about Westchester County and its towns. When reading the following, remember to keep in mind that this information has been written about two hundred years ago. Population statistics and events have not been revised to reflect current events and perspective. We think this adds to the historical flavor and interest of the writings, giving a different perspective on much of this information and written in an "older world" writing style. "Historical Collections of the State of New York, Published by S. Tuttle, 194 Chatham-Square, 1841

Bedford
Bedford, from New York NE, 44 miles, was first settled under a Connecticut license in 1681 or 1682, at a place called the hop-ground, on account of its natural product. The original patent, dated 1697, bears the Connecticut seal, and it was not until 1700 that the settlement was attached to New York by order of King William. Bedford, the half-shire town, has a courthouse and about 45 dwellings. Whitlockville is a small village.

First Chief-Justice of the United States
John Jay during the latter part of his life resided in the northern part of this town. The annexed sketch of his life is from Blake's Biographical Dictionary: "John Jay, LL.D., first chief-justice of the United States under the constitution of 1789, graduated at Kings, (now Columbia College) in 1764 and in 1768 was admitted to the bar. He was appointed to the first American congress in 1774. Being on the committee with Lee and Livingston to draft an address to the people of Great Britain, he was the writer of the eloquent production. In the congress of 1775, he was on various important committees, performing more service perhaps than any other member except Franklin and John Adams. In May, 1776, he was recalled to assist in forming the government of New York, and in consequence his name is not attached to the declaration of Independence... though not a member of the convention that formed the constitution of the United States, he was present at Annapolis and aided by his advice. He also assisted Madison and Hamilton in writing the Federalist. In the convention of New York he contributed to the adoption of the constitution. He was appointed chief justice by Washington, December 26, 1789. In 1794, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain, and succeeded in negotiating the treaty, which still goes, by his name. Chief-Justice John Jay was governor of the state of New York from 1795 to 1801. The remainder of his life passed in retirement. He died in 1829, aged 84."

For information about activities, attractions, and things to do in or near the Town of Bedford, visit the hamlets of Bedford: Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, and Katonah.

Visit Katonah, located in the northwestern part of the Town of Bedford. Well known for its Victorian architecture, Katonah now stands somewhat south of where the original hamlet was located. Katonah was moved in the late 1890s to make way for the expansion of the New York City watershed when the Muscoot Reservoir was built.

If you're visiting Katonah from Manhattan, you can go to Grand Central Station and take the MTA Metro-North Railroad to Katonah. The train station is conveniently located near the center of town, at 70 Katonah Avenue and Jay Street, just 41.2 miles from Grand Central Terminal. Many of the streets and shops in Katonah seem like they are of a time gone by. Visit the general store, or one of many other charming shops. Stop for a bite at one of the many fine restaurants in Katonah. On a warm day, what could taste better than an ice cream from the local ice cream store?

Whether you live in Katonah or are just visiting, don't miss a concert, picnic, or stroll through the house and grounds of Caramoor. Caramoor also offers many magnificent antiques and works of art. For a family trip, the children will enjoy a tour of the historic John Jay Homestead, a must on your list of historical homes. Nestled in the Westchester countryside, in the hamlet of Katonah, is the home and farm of John Jay (1745-1829), one of America's principal Founding Fathers. Jay co-authored the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, and the Federalist Papers, which aided ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He served as President of the Continental Congress, U.S. Secretary for Foreign Affairs, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the second governor of New York State. Children of all ages will enjoy visiting this site of history. For art, be sure to include a visit to the Katonah Museum of Art to your list of museums.

Go biking, hiking, or fishing, at the wonderful Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The Ward Pound Reservation is a 4,315 -acre park making Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Westchester County’s largest park. With its varied terrain and landscapes and miles of wooded trails the park provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing and cross-country skiing. The park is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.

If hunting for antiques is your pleasure, visit the antique shops in Katonah, or, select from a wide range of other indoor and outdoor activities in Westchester County.