White Plains NY

White Plains, NY at a Glance

Originally called "Quarropas" by members of the Mohican nation's Weckquaeskek tribe, the area that today makes up White Plains was first settled in 1683 by a group of Connecticut Puritans who migrated from Rye. The modern name bestowed by early traders was perhaps a reference to either the thronging white balsam trees of its forests, or to the legendary white mists that hung opaquely over swamps along the Bronx River.

The colonial history of White Plains is rich. Though it wasn't incorporated as a village until 1866 or as a city until 1916, in 1758, White Plains became the seat of Westchester County. On July 9, 1776, a copy of the Declaration of Independence arrived at the county courthouse, where it was unanimously authorized by the delegates. Two days later upon the courthouse steps, the document pronouncing the colony's independence from England and the formation of the state of New York was publicly read for the first time.

White Plains, NY at a Glance

To defend that declaration in the autumn of the same year, George Washington, under pursuit by British troops led by General William Howe, engaged at the Battle of White Plains. Following a series of clashes that culminated on October 28 and won Chatterton's Hill for the British, despite heavy gunfire from artillery under charge of Captain Alexander Hamilton, Howe's troops unexpectedly withdrew on November 5. Spared occupation, however, the village met with ruin nonetheless when one of George Washington's men (likely having too heartily celebrated the enemy withdrawal) returned with a detachment and burned it to the ground.

A number of historic sites dating from the Revolutionary War period remain in White Plains today, including the White Plains Armory and the Jacob Purdy House, one-time headquarters to Washington.

The city of White Plains is now known for its thriving retail shopping district and suburban offices. The city offers a blend of residential, professional and commercial activity, with a population that roughly quadruples in the daytime work hours. Just 25 miles north of Manhattan, it has its own stop along Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line for easy commutation.

Among the many notable figures who have lived in White Plains are department store entrepreneur J.C. Penny and Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, a White Plains native.

Each year White Plains holds an all-volunteer Arts Festival as a means to fund scholarships for graduating White Plains High School students looking to continue their education in the arts. The event is free and offers community members a chance to immerse in local arts while giving emerging artists a space to exhibit their works.

The White Plains Hispanic Day Festival is another annual highlight, showcasing Hispanic culture through music, art, dance, athletics, and of course food. The celebration grows in size and scope each year, representing several South and Central American as well as European countries.

Come spring, The White Plains Cherry Blossom Festival is an event not to be missed. When the Cherry Trees at Ternure Park issue their loamy blossoms, White Plains residents and people from surrounding towns gather by the thousands.

White Plains is also a thoroughfare for activists, volunteers and artists involved in its community and arts organizations. The White Plains Performing Arts Center holds mainstage theatre productions, a concert series, conversations and lectures, as well as special events throughout the year.

Charitable organizations like the Westchester Coalition for the Homeless and Ecumenical Food Pantries at Grace Church and St. Matthew's Church ensure that no one in the community is alone in need. The Westchester County Chamber of Commerce is also located in White Plains.