Moving a Historic House in Manhattan, NY | (Hamilton Grange)

Join Ken on an extraordinary adventure through the bustling streets of Manhattan as we uncover the incredible story of Alexander Hamilton's historic home, The Grange. Witness the monumental effort to move this iconic building not once, but twice, and restore it to its former glory. From its origins as the cherished retreat of a Founding Father to its transformation into a national treasure, this episode of 'This House' is packed with drama, history, and a testament to human ingenuity.
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Location: Manhattan, NY
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Public Domain Photos and Footage from: Library of Congress, National Parks Service
CC BY 2.0 Photos from: Flickr User: Ajay Suresh, Abrahami, Mike, Malcolm Manners, Slava, Brian Lamb, Dan DeLuca
CC BY-SA 4.0 Photos from: Wikipedia User: KimOnClinton
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

[@helenawarsinnak]

It's so amazing that this historic house has survived 2 moves!!! 😮

[@Polemodrome]

I have heard of journeymen in sports changing locations several times, but a journeyhouse...!

[@nativetexson]

Kudos to everyone with the foresight to restore and maintain the house. 👏👏

[@oltedders]

What a lovely home. Not imitating any historical design but being truly an example of its own time.

[@GB-go6gp]

What never ceases to amaze me, is the incredible talent the men who built those homes had. Every saw, every chisel, every drill was cordless, yet the symmetry of each window, each newel, every inch of wainscoting, chair rail, and crown moulding was flawless.

[@Lovemonkey2005]

I love your channel. I'm always thrilled to find the houses you feature were not destroyed. It's great that some still stand showing a glimpse into life on a level unheard of today.

[@Cwbyupdfw]

I agree with your comment 110%!!!

[@jimwiskus8862]

This is without a doubt the best preservation video I’ve seen on a great American’s home. Like many I am sad he didn’t get to enjoy it. My hat is again off to you and your tireless efforts to preserve historical architecture. ❤

[@larryjernigan2947]

So glad that this house was saved for posterity. It is really beautiful and the restoration is top notch.

[@jelsner5077]

What a gorgeous house, and in my favorite period!

[@veronicaroach3667]

Everything was so elegant in the Georgian era, then the Victorians' designs were so ugly by comparison ! Take one look at the stairs & you can see immediately the dainty railings & often beautiful lightweight curved designs of the Georgian era.

[@Polemodrome]

Besides its significant backdrop, this house is the perfect compromise between luxury and simplicity, I understand all the effort put into its preservation!

[@randyboglisch137]

We are so fortunate to have this as a legacy to our future...thank you for sharing this beautiful home with us.. hope you are mending well

[@bobconrad5632]

That is awesome. I'm glad we saved the Grange. I'll love to see it someday.

[@BeingMe532]

Kudos to everyone involved in this project. I'm very happy when history is preserved.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What an incredible story with a happy ending! At least the house had a happy ending.

[@PO139DD]

Hamilton did not die in New Jersey. After the duel, he was brought mortally wounded to a house on Jane Street in the West Village. His family rushed the seven miles from The Grange and were with him when he died the next day. The fireplace he died in front of still exists -- but is now installed in Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York. Archibald Gracie, the original owner, was a friend/contemporary of Hamilton, and the house dates from that same era.

[@ThisHouse]

I never said he passed in NJ.

[@mirrlamp]

Absolutely amazing! Everyone who took part in moving the house and its wonderful restoration deserves tremendous praise for their outstanding efforts! 👏 👏 👏

[@ML-xi2rt]

I am so thankful that this amazing and historic home is still with us. It is a gorgeous example of our history!

[@clairwaucaush7225]

This is great! A happy ending to an historic house!! I hope to go see it some day.

[@marshaboddie8662]

I grew up a few blocks from the Grange. The neighborhood is one of the most historic in New York City. I attended school across the street from Trinity Cemetery where both Clement Moore and James Audubon are buried and was a member of the Girl Scout troop in its attached church. Every year on Girl Scout Sunday all of the city’s troops marched down fifth avenue. Our troop marched at the head of the parade because it was the oldest troop in the world. On another nearby street was the American Museum of the American Indian. During our school lunch break we wandered the museum. My catholic school graduating class contained only 25 students, and yet they were Irish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, African American, Puerto Rican, a boy whose family fled Hungry after the communists crushed their revolution and a a girl whose family had fled Castro’s Cuba, just the way America should look. Needless to say, my major in college was American history.

[@alanpareis734]

What a story of a beautiful house and important part of our heritage. Thank You.

[@blueztx]

One of your best videos! Thank goodness we still cherish our history in this country.

[@markkotishion2379]

Gives new meaning to "mobile home".

[@jacqueline4514]

Thank you so much for making these videos ❤

[@mikenixon2401]

Interesting -- frankly cool -- presentation, Ken. Have a blessed week.

[@chloeerwin8506]

Visited the Grange in 2019 and it was quite spectacular! Thank you for doing a feature on it! ❤

[@williamtyre523]

Another great video, thanks. I've always been fascinated by the ability to move buildings like this, seems like an impossible task!

[@melaniekimball3102]

I very much enjoyed this well presented piece- from an historic perspective as well as the appreciation of the craftsmanship & engineering feats of making this move possible!

[@rickyt3961]

How fascinating! Thank you 😉

[@djadamblair1]

Very enjoyable video, I had no idea about this history thank you for enlightening.

[@mikehenson819]

It’s good to know the house was preserved and put back together historically correct.

[@devonna6171]

What a lovely old home. I’m grateful to those who prioritized its preservation. I find it so odd, comparing our young nations monuments with those of the European countries who maintain estates that are truly ancient. I hope we continue to treasure our historic past and hope that our republic endures.

[@laurielaurie8280]

That how the American spirit should be. We should preserve our American history as much as possible. Sooo many great mansions and beautiful Victorians have been lost forever. I wish more people cared about our nation and its history and treated it respectfully.

[@MaiRaven3]

Amazing. Fantastic ❣️So glad they saved it, and restored it.❤

[@chesterthawkins7510]

A huge and wonderful project! Love your narration.

[@sandrashevel2137]

I saw my grandparents neighbors house being moved. It is crazy. The house was beautiful, so I'm glad it didnt get demolished. I could not imagine moving a house in the city. Thank you.

[@jennyjatkola7094]

I loved this video. Once again, Ken, such an intriguing story! I love seeing an old house being moved! Thanks for telling us about this one!

[@millcity9711]

Beautifully restored, but still a less than ideal setting.

[@marthavojtko6268]

What an awesome story! Thank you!

[@Cwbyupdfw]

Flipping love it! Thank you for this video.

[@Porsche996driver]

Awesome Ken - I was just in NYC last week! The city is quite amazing. I visited St Mary the Virgin episcopal Church while I was there it was built around 1895 I think. The interior and exterior were equally stunning in detail and French Gothic design. One of my distant ancestors is Aaron Burr, sorry about that lol. But next time I will be sure to visit the Grange and learn more about Hamilton‘s life and times in Manhattan. Such great history, we should all try to learn and understand more. Peace all.

[@grandiose_3392]

Always ready for another exciting episode. Love the show 👏🏼

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Wow! OutSTANDING!

[@veronicaferguson8548]

Alexander Hamilton is my favorite Founding Father.Im glad that the house is finally getting the recognition it deserves and has been preserved

[@wildfireintexas]

Oh wow.

[@HS-vb7nk]

That is so cool, I wish I can live in it!!

[@debbralehrman5957]

The first thing I thought of was how did they move through modern streets. It is great to know it has been saved. Thanks for sharing this with us. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🌹

[@we.r.wine.bottles.im.at.work.]

I love this channel ❤❤❤

[@irmuggle]

Yes, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I remember when they moved the Fairmont hotelguinness Booker records second largest building ever moved. It's amazing where they can do with some wheels nowadays

[@judithricca6915]

Been to its current location. Definitely worth a visit.

[@orlando1a1]

Thank you for a wonderful video - if ever there was a house worth preserving, then surely the house that once belonged to Alexander Hamilton would more than justify that claim. And what a beautiful house it is, too, and an important part of the American national heritage.

[@andrewthacker114]

Interesting clip, thanks for sharing

[@BellaCroyda]

I missed the move. I had to be elsewhere. RATS!!! I used to walk past this house frequently while it was on Convent Avenue. Btw, St. Luke Episcopal church is defunct. Another denomination occupy the church building now. Things change. As for Hamilton Grange, it only moved around the corner to the park. Looks better there.

[@asylumlover]

POSITIVELY MONUMENTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I SEEM TO REMEMBER HEARING OF THIS HOUSE BACK IN THE DAYS I SPENT IN NYC, BUT I NEVER GOT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DON'T RECALL IF I HEARD OF THE FIRST MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEED TO GO THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DEFINITELY TO BE DECLARED ANOTHER DEMOLITION FREE ZONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LONG LIVE HAMILTON GRANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND LONG LIVE THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-ne3yw2cu6c]

Why are you yelling?

[@toniadugger3954]

Very cool !!

[@monicacall7532]

I’m so glad that New Yorkers cared enough about Hamilton and his legacy that they moved his home twice in order to ensure that it wouldn’t be destroyed as so many important homes and buildings have been and are continually to be thoughtlessly destroyed all in the name of “progress”. I wish that Americans in general had a greater respect for our past because that past informs the present moment and the future. I love this channel so much. Thank you your efforts to educate us about the architecture of our country.

[@jessed0308]

Wow.

[@The_Smith]

those self propelled and steering moving dollys are a game changer in the building moving business. Watched a video of a barn being moved with them that went into depth on how they worked. Fascinating.

[@craiggillett5985]

Excellent footage. Yay. Something that’s not demolished in the USA

[@dugyhoiser]

Finally - a happy ending! Thanks.

[@SandyToes75]

All of your videos are interesting for different reasons. This one grabs the viewer because the Grange was moved twice. The first move by horses sounds amazing. Cities and population squeeze so many historical elements out of existence. I am glad to learn this house has been lovingly restored, and is now available for regular folk to visit. It is sad when a wealthy, well-to-do family buys and restores something then, it is locked away for just their enjoyment. This often happens with works of art or even pianos from the past. Another sad thing is the destruction of the old homes for new construction, as seen so often in NYC. Hopefully, we have learned from those mistakes and will try to if not maintain, at least reuse elements from the homes in new building, or keep the interiors for other homes and use the outer shell for a new construction that would be up to code. History holds a breath of life and we truly need that in this era of political unrest. Thank you for the thoughtfulness that you put into making each of your stories come alive.

[@millardfretland4642]

I love your videos. I had never heard of The Grange until I saw this and I will make it a point to visit when I am next in NYC.

[@DavidMcFarner]

Brief and interesting. You have enlightened me! Thank you.

[@JudgeJulieLit]

A spectacular feat !

[@garryferrington811]

It's nice to have a happy ending. I had no idea this house existed.

[@user-je1vd6rs4e]

Had a chance to visit this historic home back in 2017 it's rather glorious and it's interesting how it's nestled in the city

[@mileshigh1321]

Great history in that house! Amazing they have preserved it! I know in downtown Toronto, they moved the William Campbell house across a road to build a new subway.

[@haywardgarner4850]

I was fortunate to witness a beautiful Memphis house moved to a new location back in my late twenties. This beauty just rolled slowly down the street.

[@BennyM_]

So cool! We’re going to NYC this summer for a wedding and I’m adding this to our sightseeing list. Thanks!

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I remember this making the news when it was moved the last time and some discussion being made that it was not oriented the same way as when it was originally built in Harlem, as they wanted the natural sunlight to hit the rooms as it did in Hamiltons time. I would love to go see this now that it’s finished. It’s gorgeous. Thank you, Ken!

[@lindamarsella4743]

Should have left it in original location

[@danielulz1640]

It had already been moved once. ​@@lindamarsella4743

[@charleshunziker7416]

Fascinating

[@daniellarivera-juvera8865]

It's amazing

[@ErikFigueroa]

Move across Manhattan? Actually, it moved about 300 feet away (literally, around the corner). I visited Hamilton Grange in elementary school when it was sandwiched between an apartment building and a church. I visited it more recently when it was in its current location in a small park next to City College, next to the college's school of engineering. In fact, the neighborhood is not part of Harlem, but has its own name: Hamilton Heights.

[@claudermiller]

Wish I could move my house. 😆 🤣 😂

[@JayYoung-ro3vu]

Four homes were moved in Xenia, Ohio , in 1974 to repopulate the historic district with period homes and to clear their former lots for redevelopment. One was a new home for the local historical society whose former home couldn't be salvaged after the storm. The other three were set deeper into the district. I saw the largest being moved. It was set next to a surviving home of a similar style. The other two were bungalows and became adjoining neighbors of each other. I was entranced to see this big home slowly trundle up the street.

[@peterbellini6102]

Awesome

[@mauramartin8185]

Part of the importance of history would be for the house to remain in its original location, in my opinion….Anyway, glad the house still exists

[@calendarpage]

While the decor is a little formal and spare, I like it a lot more than many of the overdone Victorian or 'new money' homes we've seen. I like the paint colors as well. Growing up in DC and living in Philly for years, maybe I'm just used to this type of decor, both in historical and private homes. We can't save every historical house, but they did a good job here with the move and restoration.

[@ninavongunten122]

I wish I could move my old childhood home. 🏠

[@desitterspace2127]

Wow, even the houses are trying to get out of NY!

[@GothGuy885]

when they move house, they Really "MOVE HOUSE!" 😄

[@susannewendlandt5432]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@TWOCOWS1]

Fantastic. There are two other homes in Manhattan of similar historic importance: the Jumel House, and the house where Teddy Roosevelt lived. There was also the tomb of President Monroe, which has moved down South now?

[@carmenm.4091]

I happened to be there Saturday last. Please visit. Entry is free of charge but make sure to bring some cash, to buy a souvenir or a book because that’s the only way you can pay for now until they fix the credit card issue.

[@alex0589]

i got so afraid you'd start rapping.... never heard of a house being moved twice, that's insane. had no idea.

[@williamboquist4090]

It is just amazing to me that they could move houses before the advent of hydraulic jacks and internal combustion engines. Just the brains of men and the muscles of draft animals.

[@janetcarbone4213]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@scronx]

Well, the house's reputation has fared better -- it was never involved in setting up a private central bank :) This is very interesting. Did any utility lines need to be moved?

[@stevenkaskus6173]

The original homes location drawings were beautiful, too bad the home and its property weren't preserved as they were instead of allowing encroachment till a huge church built smack next to it and most of the trees gone. Especially for the mess now called Harlem.

[@the23rdbryan]

I really, seriously DO LOVE this content !!! It could be incredibly easy to watch and listen to if you would please PLEASE PLEASE research and listen to narration and voice inflection types and patterns !! Your speaking flow while narrating should sound conversational and not like each sentence is reading off a "top ten" list of facts. I'll continue to watch, but only on mute and when I have the time to read it all. Only trying to help you grow, never as a negative.

[@johnhiggins9615]

AAA+++

[@writerconsidered]

Why did I not know Hamilton died in a duel? Or did I know and forgot what I knew? What a dumb way to die. I guess that puts drive by shootings into perspectives.

[@laurimas8845]

I think you forgot. We all learned that in school. Yes, a dumb way to die. It was quite common then- honor and all that. Not really like today's completely meaningless shootings, but just as dumb.

[@skippes_view]

It’s in its final resting place for now , till the property that it’s sitting on becomes too useful for something else like in the past ..

[@HelenTudor-Douglas]

#MobileHome #AlexanderHamilton'sVersionOfVanLife 🤣

[@cruzmalibu4361]

“An” historic house” 🤜🏽🙄🥊

[@ThisHouse]

The way I said it is correct.

[@cruzmalibu4361]

@@ThisHouse …..”An” is always used before the word “historic”. Not “A”. I think I learned that in elementary school…

[@ThisHouse]

@@cruzmalibu4361 Grammatically, "a historic home" is considered correct by modern standards, especially in American English, because "historic" starts with a consonant sound for most speakers. The rule for using "a" or "an" is based on the sound that immediately follows the article, not necessarily the letter with which the next word starts. Since "historic" typically begins with a pronounced "h" sound, "a" is the appropriate article. I encourage you to look it up.

[@cruzmalibu4361]

@@ThisHouse ….sorry, it may be accepted in modern day English, but it’s lazy. It’s tolerated, but so is “axe” instead of “ask”. Speaking correctly and speaking well are essential to being a successful orator. When you don’t speak or spell well, the world tends to think you are stupid.

[@ThisHouse]

The rule is that “a” precedes consonant sounds and “an” precedes vowel sounds - a, e, i, o and u. When the h is silent, as in honor, honest, hour and herb, use an. When the h is sounded, as in home and (ahem!) historic. If you are just trolling me please move along. If not, I really do hope you take a moment to google the difference between “a” and “an.” Enjoy your evening.

[@user-oz5nc2hg3j]

Born out of wedlock. haha. We have a name for him.

[@MZig-rw7su]

AN historic house...that's correct grammar

[@JH-ex6mb]

Hamilton didn't "lose" the duel to Burr, he was murdered by Burr. In duels you would go through the ceremony but never shoot the other person. We lost a great one to a loser named Burr.

[@kerrytakashi12]

It was a hoax. He was in a debt. Before he "died", he wrote a letter asking for his pension "in case anything should happen to me". Burr was in on it with that fake duel. After a lot of back and forth, the Hamilton "widow" was granted his full pension. Typical. These people are always faking their deaths to get out of debt.

[@Jmatt455]

I know picking up and moving any house is an amazing accomplishment, but C'mon. They moved it around the corner and half a block. You made it sound like they went through lower Manhattan during rush hour.

[@susannewendlandt5432]

Es ist eine immense Leistung so ein Haus zu transportieren, dahinter steckt eine Wahnsinnsarbeit.

[@reference2592]

Awful decision. The joy of historic preservation in a city is to show how the past RELATES to the present, not to create some faux-historic out-of-the-way Disney village. Leaving the home in place with the city built around it would have been the most fitting tribute to the monumentality of Hamilton's contributions to the early republic. Instead, they manufactured a completely ahistoric lie under the guise of "historic preservation". It's bassackwards.

[@noneyabusiness7320]

Wasn't he the first president to have a mistress and even know he claimed not to own slaves he bought slaves? Also, didn't he want to be king and do away with elections. Yeah, save that house. Not every person in the position of power is worth glorifying. Right is right, and wrong is wrong.

[@ThisHouse]

Hamilton never served as President. I’m not sure who you are describing.

[@darceyfiddler2346]

Sweeping away and destroying all history, good or bad, will only lead to us having to repeat it please get your history straight before you try to share 🇺🇸

[@danielulz1640]

You know not whereof you speak!

[@okjoe5561]

If only there was something like Google so you could research a subject before making an ignorant post. Or Bing, or Yahoo, or Wikipedia, or a library...

[@laurimas8845]

You are thinking of Thomas Jefferson, whose portraits do show him looking quite bit like Hamilton. His house ,Monticello, is in Virginia.

[@providence9481]

I used to walk my dog all around this place in the park. He loved it! ❤

[@aalb1873]

Ziss aus