The park was the site of the only peace conference attempted during the American Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge met Admiral Lord Richard Howe at the Conference House in September 1776.
The property is the southernmost point of New York State.
It is the only site in New York City where you can watch the sunset over the water from the shore of Staten Island.
The park contains rare coastal plant species and designated salt marsh habitats.
The Conference House was built by Captain Christopher Billop, who reportedly won the land in a bet by sailing around Staten Island in less than 24 hours.
Archaeological findings in the area suggest Indigenous Lenape presence dating back thousands of years.
Conference House Park is located at the southernmost point of New York State on the shores of the Arthur Kill and Raritan Bay. The park serves as a historic site containing the 1680s stone Conference House, where British and American representatives met in 1776 for a failed peace conference during the Revolutionary War. The 265-acre site features hiking trails, waterfront access, and expansive green space. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The grounds contain several secondary historic buildings, including the Biddle House and the Rutan-Beckett House. Visitors can observe the New Jersey shoreline directly across the water from the park's beaches. The landscape transitions from wooded areas to salt marshes and rocky coastline. It is a designated landmark for its role in early American diplomatic history.
The stone porch of the Conference House facing the waterfront during the golden hour.
Bring binoculars to view the Raritan Bay bird life and maritime traffic.
Wear sturdy walking shoes if planning to explore the trails leading down to the rocky waterfront.
Check the park's official website for guided tour availability before arriving if you intend to go inside the historic houses.
Do not attempt to walk along the shoreline during high tide as the beach access becomes limited.
Historic house tours are typically available on a limited weekend-only schedule; park grounds remain open daily from dawn to dusk.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive coastal vegetation; carry out all trash to preserve the wildlife habitat.
