White Plains, County seat in Westchester County, New York, United States
White Plains is a city in Westchester County, New York, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Manhattan. The downtown area consists of mid-rise office buildings, shops, a courthouse, and several hotels grouped around a main thoroughfare.
Settlers from Connecticut purchased the land in the late 17th century and founded the settlement, which later became the county seat. In July 1776, the New York congress read out the Declaration of Independence here, a few months before a battle during the Revolutionary War.
Residents gather in cafés, restaurants and around the main square, which sees the most activity on weekdays. The community, drawn from different backgrounds, shapes the local dining scene and shops that line the streets.
The city is connected to Manhattan by a commuter rail line, with the journey taking less than an hour. Public green spaces are spread across several neighborhoods and offer places to walk or rest.
A bronze memorial stands downtown, marking the moment when representatives of the province of New York adopted the Declaration of Independence. The courthouse where this historic decision took place no longer exists.
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