Nestled in the heart of Yorktown Heights, Underhill Farms is more than just a neighborhood—it's a living testament to nearly two centuries of local history, community spirit, and the enduring charm of Westchester County. Whether you're strolling down Underhill Avenue on a cool autumn morning, picnicking by the old stone walls, or admiring the neighborhood’s thoughtfully preserved landmarks, you’re walking in the footsteps of generations who have called this corner of Yorktown home.
The Origins: Underhill’s Agricultural Beginnings
Like so much of Yorktown Heights, Underhill Farms began as farmland, owned and worked by some of the area’s earliest settler families. The Underhill family—namesake of the neighborhood—were descendants of Captain John Underhill, a notable British officer and early colonial settler in New York. The Underhill homestead, built in the early 19th century, once presided over rolling fields, orchards, and woodlands that defined the agricultural landscape of northern Westchester.
The family's stewardship of this land was instrumental to local agriculture. Underhill Farms was renowned for its apples and dairy, crops well-suited to the hilly terrain and fertile soil. For decades, Underhill’s land shaped not just the local economy, but also the rhythms of life for Yorktown's early residents.
Naming the Neighborhood: A Legacy Preserved
The name “Underhill Farms” is both a nod to the land’s origins and a respectful tribute to the Underhill family, who were among Yorktown’s most influential early settlers. Their name endures not just in the neighborhood but on streets like Underhill Avenue and landmarks such as the Underhill Farmhouse. Historical records indicate that the Underhills played a vital role in local civic and religious life, building some of the first community institutions that still stand today.
Historical Milestones: From Farmland to Community
Over the years, Underhill Farms has been witness to—and a participant in—many of Yorktown Heights’ formative moments:
- The Coming of the Railroad (1870s): With the arrival of the New York and Putnam Railroad, Yorktown Heights was transformed from a rural outpost into a more accessible, connected community. The Underhill lands, situated conveniently near what is now Commerce Street, became more desirable for development and commerce.
- Subdivision and Homes (Early 20th Century): As Westchester grew, the Underhill family began to subdivide their vast landholdings, selling parcels for residential development. The first cluster of family homes sprang up along Underhill Avenue and Farm Walk, setting the stage for the neighborhood’s suburban future.
- Post-war Boom (1940s-1960s): Like much of the region, Underhill Farms experienced a surge of new residents after World War II. The building of modern homes, schools, and civic spaces changed the area’s profile from agricultural heartland to family-friendly suburb.
Notable Landmarks and Symbols
Any visit to Underhill Farms is enriched by a sense of place—thanks to its unique landmarks and enduring symbols of the past.
- The Underhill Farmhouse: Remnants of the original Underhill homestead still stand along Underhill Avenue. This well-preserved stone house, with its stately façade and sweeping lawn, is a meaningful reminder of the neighborhood’s rural roots.
- Underhill Avenue and Old Stone Walls: The avenue running through the heart of the neighborhood follows the path laid out by the Underhill family, lined with old dry-laid stone walls that once marked field perimeters and farm boundaries.
- Granite Milestones: Dotting some corners, old granite markers from the 19th century can sometimes be seen. These were once used to identify distances for travelers and are a rare find for those with a keen eye for local relics.
Parks, Streets, and Gathering Places
Once open farmland, Underhill Farms is now a neighborhood of quiet tree-lined streets, family homes, and pocket parks.
- Underhill Park: A relatively new addition, this green space on Farm Walk offers modern play equipment for children, shaded benches, and a picnic area. But it remains true to its agrarian ancestry with apple trees lining its edges—descendants of those first planted by the Underhills.
- Farm Walk: One of the first streets created after the original farm was subdivided, Farm Walk epitomizes the transition from plowed field to residential lane. Today, it’s known for its block parties and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Institutions Steeped in Tradition
Education and religion have always played an important role in Underhill Farms. While the original one-room schoolhouse is now a private residence, newer institutions continue the tradition:
- Yorktown Presbyterian Church: Just a short walk from Underhill Avenue, this community church was co-founded by several members of the Underhill family in the 19th century and continues to be a neighborhood touchstone for worship and events.
- Yorktown Heights Elementary School: Serving many Underhill Farms families, the school on Veterans Road reflects the neighborhood's long-standing commitment to education.
Evolution and Enduring Appeal
What makes Underhill Farms so special today is its careful balance of heritage and modernity. The neighborhood has evolved over the decades, welcoming new families and adapting to new needs, yet its roots are always visible.
Longtime residents recall Fourth of July parades down Underhill Avenue, summer concerts at the park, and the way snow blankets those iconic stone walls in winter. Newcomers find a warm, inclusive community that lives by the values passed down from the Underhill family: stewardship, civic pride, and a deep appreciation for local history.
Homes in Underhill Farms today come in a variety of styles, from renovated farmhouses to mid-century ranches, each with a story to tell. Community organizations regularly host historical walks, helping newer residents connect with the neighborhood’s unique legacy.
Conclusion: A Neighborhood Like No Other
Walking through Underhill Farms, it’s hard not to feel connected to something larger than oneself—a continuum of people and place that stretches back to Yorktown’s earliest days. Whether you’re out for a walk along Underhill Avenue, pausing to read a historical plaque, or sharing stories at a summer picnic in the park, you’re part of a living history that welcomes each new chapter.
In Underhill Farms, the past and present dwell side by side, making this neighborhood not just a place to live, but a heritage to cherish.