King Manor Museum
About This Listing
Place Details
- Borough: Queens
- Neighborhood: Jamaica Center
- Categories: Historic Site & Museum, Residential, Revolutionary War in NYC
Place Matters Profile
Nominations
Kathy Forrestal
King Manor Museum is the oldest house in southeast Queens and is located in King Park, between 150th and 153rd streets along Jamaica Avenue. It was the historic home of Rufus King, who signed the Constitution on behalf of Massachusetts and made New York City and the village of Jamaica his home from 1805 to 1827. King was the first senator from New York, was ambassador to Great Britain under four American presidents, and was an outspoken opponent of slavery, particularly the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
After Rufus King’s death, his eldest son, John Alsop King, inherited the property and made it his home. John followed in his father’s political footsteps, serving in Congress and as governor of New York. Like his father, John fought against slavery throughout his political career.
King Manor today stands in an 11-acre park, all that remains of what was once a 122-acre working farm. Residents of Jamaica know the park and the proud home within it, and long-time residents have fond memories of the house and its surroundings.
The Manor today serves as a historic house museum, and is open to the public.
Enrique Rodriguez
Rufus King signed the Constitution as a delegate from Massachusetts. He was an abolitionist, but his son insured slave ships. (September, 2009)
