Sightseeing in New Rochelle

As acknowledged by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), New Rochelle is one of the urban areas who got in the list of 100 Best Walking Cities in America. It may not be the whole reason, but it is safe to say that New Rochelle has sites and attractions that can make walking a real pleasure.

The Execution Rocks Lighthouse is situated along the middle of Long Island Sound, which is south of David’s Island. This architectural beauty was up and standing since 1849 and has a 17-meter tall tower as well as a “keeper’s house.” According to gossip, the structure was named the Execution Rocks Lighthouse because British colonial authorities put people to death by chaining them to the rocks during low tide and leaving the rest to nature, read this as high tide which would inevitably drown them. However, it is far from the truth. It got its name as an indication of the treacherous shipping area developed by the rocks exposure throughout low tides.

Another noteworthy piece of architecture is the St. John’s Wilmot Church. This historical Episcopal parish is in the northern end of New Rochelle, at the intersection of North Avenue and Wilmot Road, to be precise. It was legally founded on May 1, 1858 but it was actually established a year after. The church mainly caters to the Sound Shore communities of Westchester County’s southern part.

Apparently, two of New Rochelle’s landmarks are its churches. The next attraction is the Trinity-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church found at the northwest corner of Division Street and Huguenot Street. The church was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Considering that its members include the founding Huguenot French Calvinistic congregation and its first charter was given by King George III, it is, without a doubt, a place full of history.