Welcome to Chappaqua, NYChappaqua is a hamlet within the town of New Castle, a suburb that is located approximately 31 miles north of Manhattan, in Westchester County, NY. Chappaqua was founded in the early 18th century, when a group of Quakers from Purchase, NY settled in the area. The name of their settlement was inspired by the Algonquin word “shah-pah-ka,” which referred to the rustling of wind in the leaves. The Quakers used versions of this word, mentioning their meetings as “Shapequa” meetings as early as 1745. Because Chappaqua was rich in the natural resources of streams, rivers and fertile land, it quickly became a farming center complete with power mills. The community’s success in farming quickly led to other industries, such as milk processing and the production of shoes, hardware, vinegar, pickles, eyeglasses and furniture. Once the New York and Harlem Railroad was brought to Chappaqua in 1846, new business began cropping up around the station, such as a hotel, public library, livery stables, and various shops and supply stores. Chappaqua also started to see a boost in population as New Yorkers began to establish country homes outside of the city. One of these first commuters was Chappaqua’s most notable resident, Horace Greeley, who was the founder and editor of the New York Tribune. Greeley’s home still stands on Chappaqua’s King Street, and is the headquarters of the Chappaqua Historical Society.
Today Chappaqua boasts a thriving population of over 6,000 people, and has received national attention due to its famous residents, including actor Alan Arkin, Reader’s Digest editor Daniel O’Keefe, and more recently, former Presdent Bill Clinton and 2008 Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton. It is also nationally renowned for its award-winning public school system, through which 99% of its high school graduates go on to attend four year colleges, many of them being Ivy League schools. But even though the area has reached big-town status, Chappaqua still prides itself on having a New England style small-town atmosphere. Its quaint downtown area features locally owned shops and boutiques instead of large unsightly commercial developments, and it also features a gazebo that serves as a venue for public music and arts events. Chappaqua is very much a historic community, preserving many homes and buildings that originate in the 18th century, the biggest example being the Chappaqua Friends Meeting House built in 1753. It is the oldest Quaker meeting house still standing in Westchester County.
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