White Plains New York is the county seat of Westchester County and can be found approximately four miles east of the Hudson River. To the near south is New York City, and this has a lot to do with White Plains history, not to mention the city's tourism industry.

Westchester County in general was the first suburban area on the planet to undergo large-scale development. Much of the development occurred when people and businesses from New York City made the move north in the 1800s. Prior to this era, White Plains and surrounding Westchester County figured prominently during the American Revolutionary War. In fact, no other area in the country saw more fighting during this conflict.

Modern day White Plains NY offers excellent shopping opportunities, wonderful recreational facilities, and interesting cultural programs. This wasn't always the case, however. During the American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783, the city and surrounding Westchester County basically formed one large battleground area between the American and the British Loyalist camps. During the renowned Battle of White Plains in 1776, George Washington and his Continental Army were actually pushed out of the White Plains area by the British. Washington and his brigade would have the final laugh, if you will, as America tasted victory at the Battle of Trenton and ultimately won the larger war. A small memorial in White Plains commemorates the Battle of White Plains, and every year, the historic Jacob Purdy House plays host to a special commemoration ceremony.

New York Map

The Jacob Purdy House is one of the top attractions in White Plains New York, and this has a lot to do with the fact that General George Washington had his headquarters there in 1778. Some historians also believe that Washington made the home his headquarters two years prior, with the Battle of Chatterton Hill being partly responsible for the period of abandonment in between. Much later in the 1960s, the Jacob Purdy House was actually slated for demolition, but thankfully, this did not occur. The historic structure was moved to its current location on Park Avenue in 1973, and in 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Another historic attraction that White Plains NY visitors might not want to miss is the White Plains Rural Cemetery. This cemetery saw its first burial in 1797 and can be found at 167 North Broadway. Other historic attractions found around town date back to more recent times, though that doesn't mean that they don't deserve a look. Among these structures are the beautiful Soundview Manor, which was built for a wealthy past resident named Robert B. Dula, and the Percy Grainger Home and Studio, which served as the main home for the composer, Percy Grainger. Both homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find Soundview Manor at 283 Soundview Avenue, and those who are in need of recommendations for White Plains hotels might appreciate the fact that it is now a bed and breakfast. The Percy Grainger Home is situated at 7 Cromwell Place.

The city of White Plains New York has a couple nicknames. One is The Birthplace of the State of New York, and this relates to the fact that local delegates quickly approved the Declaration of Independence, thus making New York a state. The other nickname is The City in the Park, and this has everything to do with White Plains's more than 18,000 acres of parkland. Other things that residents and visitors alike can take advantage of are Long Island Sound beaches, public pools, and boating facilities. There are also golf courses in White Plains, though as you might expect in an affluent community such as this, the majority of these courses are private. As for public courses, the Maple Moor Golf Course is pretty much the only local option. It is found at 1128 North Street and offers eighteen holes.

A number of major companies are either based in White Plains NY or have a presence of some kind there. As such, the majority of the White Plains hotels cater to both business and leisure travelers, and range from budget to upscale options. Regardless of which hotel you decide to go with in the end, you'll only be 30 minutes from NYC attractions such as Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Both subways and buses can be used for getting back and forth if you don't want to drive.