The Wyckoff Bennett House -- The Last Privately Owned1700's Dutch Colonial house in New York City

The Wyckoff-Bennett Homestead, located at 1669 E. 22nd Street in Brooklyn, New York was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It is believed to have been built before 1766 because that date was carved into a beam in the barn.



A beautiful farmhouse example in the Dutch Colonial style, it has been continuously occupied since its construction. The house was built by Hendrik and Abraham Wyckoff, descendants of Peiter Wyckoff who immigrated to this country in 1637. The house was bought by Cornelius W. Bennett in 1832, and the Bennett family held possession through four generations until 1983 when it was sold to the Mont family.

Please click on photo to enlarge

During the American Revolutionary War, during the British invasion during the Battle Of Brooklyn--which I have blogged about on this link--this home was occupied by Hessian officers, and two of the soldiers etched their names and ranks into the window panes. Two of these panes have been carefully preserved. One is inscribed with the name "Toepfer Capt. of Regt. de Ditfurth" and the other "M. Bach Lieutenant Hessen Hanau Artillerie."

An enlargement of a photo of one of the soldier's signatures that is etched on the windowpane.

I am so grateful that this original Dutch farmhouse has been so well cared for throughout the years by its owners, and now through historic preservation and landmark status it will continue to be treasured as a part of our young nation's history.