The village of Eastchester is situated in the south-east angle of the town, at the head of the Eastchester Bay, fifteen miles from the city of New York ; it contains about three hundred and fifty inhabitants, fifty dwelling houses, one Episcopal and one Methodist church, post office, three taverns, four stores, and one grist mill. There is also a convenient landing," from whence sail several sloops trading with the New York market.

The first settlement in this town appears to have been commenced near the Indian path, (subsequently known as the Westchester path or Kingsbridge road,) leading to the wading place, cir. 1664, at a spot called Hutchinson's. " That is where the house stood at the meadows and uplands to Hutchinson's river"6

In 1666 it was by royal charter enacted, "That the plantation shall continue and retain ye name of Eastchester, by which name and style it shall be forever hereafter distinguished and known, &c "

The early planters in order to concentrate their dwellings as much as possible, (so as to protect themselves and families,) laid out the original farms in narrow strips called home lots, which radiated from the village fort in all directions.

At a meeting of the inhabitants, held Oct. 16, 1675, is was resolved, " That we will forthwith fit William Haiden's house by his land, soe as that it may, by God's helpe and blessing, answer our honorable governor's order and our own preservation. At the same time John Jackson, Richard Hoadley and Samuel Drake, jun., were chosen to stake out the place as aforementioned for the said fortification ; also John Jackson and Richard Shute were chosen to the constable to be overseers for the carrying on the said works ; and it was further agreed, that for a man's day's work, (provided he do an honest day's work,) he shall be allowed two shillings and sixpence a day, for a man ; and for their cattle, cart, or tackling to do the work, or four oxen, shall be allowed six shillings a day ; for two oxen, five shillings per day; and so begin the said work on Thurso At an early period called SilUck's landing, A.