Lispenard-Rodman-Davenport House

The Lispenard-Rodman-Davenport House is an early 18th century stone structure with a distinctive mansard roof and a small cupola crowning the top. Inside, the building features wide pine floorboards and thick walls made with a mortar containing crushed oyster shells, a material choice that speaks to the region's maritime resources.

Antoine Lispenard built the house in 1708 after acquiring the peninsula and established a tidal gristmill that played a role in the region's early economy. The building later served as a hospital for British forces during the Revolutionary War.

The house carries the names of three families who lived there and made changes over time, each leaving their mark through different building styles visible in the rooms. These modifications show how the structure reflected the needs and tastes of each generation.

The house is located on Davenport Avenue and can be visited through scheduled tours organized by local historical societies in the area. It is best explored on foot, which allows you to also take in the surrounding neighborhood and street character.

Local militia stationed a guard post at the residence during the War of 1812 and used it to monitor the coastal area. This military role highlights how valuable the building's location was for defending the region.

Location: New Rochelle

GPS coordinates: 40.90111,-73.77139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05