Est. 1680 · Revolutionary War · Peace Negotiations · Colonial Architecture · American Independence
Christopher Billopp, a Royal Navy officer, established himself on Staten Island around 1680 and constructed a distinctive stone dwelling known as the Bentley Manor, later renamed the Billop House. The construction reflects late 17th-century colonial architecture, with a stone exterior providing structural durability against the maritime climate.
The property held no particular distinction until September 11, 1776, when it became the site of a historically significant diplomatic event. By that date, the American Revolutionary War was in its fifteenth month. British Commander-in-Chief William Howe sought a negotiated settlement with the colonists, hoping to end the conflict swiftly. He dispatched an invitation to colonial leaders to meet at the Billop House for peace negotiations.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge arrived for the meeting representing the Continental Congress. The negotiations were cordial but fundamental disagreements proved insurmountable. Howe insisted that the colonists recognize British sovereignty and disband their army. Franklin and his colleagues refused these terms, maintaining that American independence was non-negotiable. After several hours of discussion, the peace conference dissolved without agreement.
Historically, this failed negotiation proved pivotal. Had the colonists capitulated, the American Revolution would have ended prematurely. The conference's failure hardened resolve on both sides and contributed to the prolonged conflict that ultimately resulted in American independence.
During the Revolutionary War, the property remained under British control. Colonel Christopher Billop, the heir to the original estate, actively supported the British cause, providing the Billop House as a residence and supply point for British officers. Local legend maintains that Billop secretly harbored wounded British soldiers, providing medical care and shelter. To maintain secrecy, soldiers who died in the house were allegedly buried in unmarked graves on the property.
The paranormal activities associated with the house are directly connected to the historical violence that occurred within its walls. A detailed account describes Billop's paranoia regarding potential spies among the domestic staff. When he observed a 15-year-old servant girl named Charity, or a similar name, placing a lighted lantern on a second-floor window sill, he interpreted it as a signal to colonial troops. In a violent act motivated by suspicion, Billop seized the girl and threw her down the interior stairwell. Her neck broke in the fall, resulting in her immediate death.
The house remained in the Billop family for generations before being transferred to public ownership. Today, it operates as the Conference House, a museum property of the Historic House Trust of New York City. The exterior stone structure remains largely as it was in the 18th century, though interior modifications and restorations have been made to accommodate museum functions.
