John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is both a local gem and national treasure. A visit to the Homestead today is an opportunity to increase one’s knowledge and enthusiasm for history, to contemplate the principles upon which America was founded, and to learn about farm life in the 19th century. In addition, the Homestead’s 62-acre grounds include historic outbuildings, four formal gardens, open fields, a pond and wooded trails – supporting a wide range of outdoor activity.

During twenty-seven years of service to his state and nation, John Jay looked forward to the day when he would retire with his wife and family to "the house on my farm in Westchester County…." The land his farm occupied was purchased from the Native American sachem, Katonah, in 1703, by Jay's maternal grandfather, Jacobus Van Cortlandt.

By 1801, John had acquired, by inheritance and purchase, 750 acres of land in Katonah. During his second term as governor, Jay had renovations made to his farmhouse in Westchester in preparation for his retirement from public life. He was finally able to move to the house in 1801. Sarah died the following spring, leaving Jay a widower with four children. Jay never remarried. Living in the house until his death in 1829, he quietly enjoyed his life as a country farmer. He was keenly interested in agriculture, horticulture, his family, his church, and the growing issue of slavery, which he abhorred.

William (1789-1858), John's younger son, inherited the Homestead. He continued his father's work in horticulture, as well as the tradition of service to his fellow man. William became a figure of national importance. Using the might of the pen, he furthered the abolitionist cause. He married Augusta McVickar in 1812.

Eleanor Jay (1882-1953), the only surviving child of William and Lucie, inherited the home and continued the family commitment to community service. She married Arthur Iselin in 1904. She was the last of the family to use the Homestead, which she and Arthur called Bedford House, as a full-time residence. Her most distinctive contribution to the site was architectural. In 1924 ground was broken for a ballroom/portrait gallery, which more than doubled the size of the house.

Arthur Iselin died in 1952 and Eleanor died the following year. Westchester County subsequently purchased the house and thirty of the original acres. In 1958 Governor Averill Harriman signed legislation making the property a New York State Historic Site. In 1968 an additional 34 acres were acquired resulting in the current configuration of 62 acres.