In the year 1784, the State, by commission, parcelled out these lands to various individuals. One of the principal gTantees was Gerard C. Beeckman, Esq., who purchased one thousand six hundred acres in the vicinity of Tarrytown. upon which is situated the old manor house. Mr. Beeckman married Cornelia van Cortlandt; thus after the forfeiture of the Philipses a portion of the manor again reverted to a connection of that ancient family ; Jacobus van Cortlandt having married Eva Philipse, daughter of the Hon. Frederick Philipse.

In the south-west corner of Mount Pleasant, between the Andre" brook and the Mill river, (Pocanteco,) is situated Beekmantown, commonly called the Pocanteco suburb of Tarrytown. This place derives its name from the family of the Beeckmans. The residence of the late Stephen D. Beeckman, M. D.. son of the former proprietor, stands upon the highest ground of the village immediately west of the Irving Institute.

To the north of Beeckmantown lies the romantic region of Sleepy Hollow.

" A pleasing land of drowsy head it was, Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye ; And of gay castles in the clouds that pass, For ever flushing round a summer sky."

-- Castle of Indolence.

Castle Philipse, the ancient residence of the lords of Philipsburgh, occupies a pleasant position on the west side of the mill-pond, nearly facing the old Dutch church ; having acquired the appellation from the fact that, in the early days of the colony, it was strongly fortified with cannon -- a necessary precaution against any sudden attack of the Indians. The embrasures or port holes can yet be traced on the cellar walls.