History

The Town of Scarsdale—named for its “rocky valley” topography—was established in 1788 from land that once formed part of Caleb Heathcote’s pre-colonial manor. At the time of the first U.S. Census in 1790, the six-and-a-half square mile town was home to just 281 residents. Growth was slow for the next sixty years. Unlike neighboring Westchester towns situated along the Hudson River or Long Island Sound, Scarsdale lacked access to navigable waterways. Reaching New York City meant a long, bumpy ride down the sandy, winding White Plains Post Road.

The arrival of the railroad in 1846 marked a turning point for Scarsdale, making travel to and from New York City far more accessible. Farmers could now bring their crops to market with ease, and the town began attracting affluent New Yorkers who built expansive country estates. As the population grew, so did the diversity of its residents. Among those who helped shape Scarsdale’s early character was Robert Purdy, a formerly enslaved man from Louisiana who purchased five acres of farmland on Saxon Woods Road in 1856. His enduring legacy, carried on by his descendants, reflects the foundations of a community that values resilience, opportunity, and inclusion across racial and religious lines.

Scarsdale began its transformation from rural farmland to residential suburb in 1891, when a 150-acre farm was subdivided to create Arthur Manor. In the early 20th century, additional farms and estates were developed into neighborhoods. Longtime residents and newcomers alike organized civic associations and established a nonpartisan election system, setting a tradition of high community engagement that continues today.

By the late 1910s, new schools were constructed to serve the rapidly growing population. A comprehensive zoning plan soon followed, shaping Scarsdale into a primarily residential community organized around its elementary schools. In the 1920s, local business leaders worked together to build the Village Center in the Tudor Revival style, giving Scarsdale its distinctive architectural identity. A housing boom followed, and many of the homes built during this time remain in use today.
In the post–World War II years, Scarsdale invested heavily in public recreation, including tennis and paddle courts and a community swimming pool. Today, this leafy, historic suburb is widely recognized for its exceptional schools, strong civic spirit, and convenient access to New York City.