St. Paul’s Church and cemetery

PARK OVERVIEW

Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site preserves St. Paul’s Church, which was built between 1763 and 1805, and its cemetery with known graves dating back to 1704. The focus of the park is not so much the church itself, but the church’s involvement in significant events that took place in Eastchester, New York, and the surrounding Manchester County during the colonial era up through the American Revolution.

Visitors to the park can learn about Saint Paul’s Church, the Battle of Pell’s Point, and the history of Eastchester in the Visitor Center museum, then take a guided tour of the church and its cemetery. The church is open only during the tours, but guests are welcome to walk around the cemetery at any time. A brochure for a self-guided walking tour is available in the Visitor Center. This lists the important graves and tells a little about the people currently residing six feet below. On select days, the belfry is open and visitors can see the original church bell that was hidden during the American Revolution so that it wouldn’t be melted down per George Washington’s orders.

LOCATION

Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site is located in Mount Vernon, New York, at 897 South Columbus Avenue. This is twelve miles north of Manhattan Island, but still accessible by the subway. The closest station is Eastchester-Dyre Avenue, and it is a .75-mile walk from there using Provost Avenue / South 3^rd Street. This is an industrial area, and while it is safe to walk around during the day, I wouldn’t want to be caught out after dark. The church actually closed in 1977 due to the industrialization that started in the 1930s—there simply weren’t enough people living in the area to sustain a congregation. It became part of the National Park system in 1980, though it didn’t open to the public until 1984.

You can also drive to the church. There is a very small parking area for guests. Other than school groups, not many people visit the church, so getting a spot most likely will not be a problem.

OPERATING HOURS

• January through June
  • Monday-Friday
  • 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Also the second Saturday of each month from 12 PM to 4 PM
• July through December
  • Tuesday-Saturday
  • 9 AM to 5 PM
• Closed Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to check the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site.

FEES

There are no fees associated with a visit to Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Visitor Center and Museum
allow 30-60 minutes

Church and Cemetery Guided Tour
allow 1 hour

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