This is the commercial core and principal residential neighborhoods, with 750 buildings representing development of the city from its 1783 founding to the last major building period in the 1930's. Outstanding examples of Federal and Greek Revival urban homes and commercial buildings can be found. Complex developed by prominent landowner and entrepreneur. The Main Residence is a large Federal brick building with canted front corners, built circa 1805 with Greek Revival and Colonial Revival modifications. The initials of the first owner are monogrammed in black clinker headers on the gable end.
Site also includes a Dutch barn, corn crib and small barn.
The district includes about 250 buildings in the heart of the village, with several 18th century homes, an important group of Federal, Greek Revival and Gothic Revival homes, and late 19th century commercial buildings. One notable building is the Federal James D Vanderpoel House, circa 1819, now operated as a museum. Queen Anne brick and frame residence built in 1880 as the summer home of George Chesterman, NYC financier. The property retains outbuildings and landscaped grounds. Retirement home of the Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States.