Boss Tweed and Nyack’s Tammany House

By Robert Brum

A 19th century Nyack home offers sweeping views of the Hudson River as well as a glimpse at a time when a famously corrupt New York City politician lived high atop Clausland Mountain.

The Tammany House, named after William “Boss” Tweed’s Manhattan headquarters, was built in 1886 as a summer home by a man named Kehoe who’s described as one of Tweed’s henchmen.

At the time, the property stretched from the river to the mountaintop, according to Terry Talley’s “Gems of the Hudson.”

Tammany House, now a 1,1-acre parcel along the south side of Route 9W, is on the market for $1,150,000 with Anthony Lando of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 2,379-square-foot Colonial Craftsman frame-and-stone home’s open concept is designed to provide views of the river and bridge, especially from the second-floor balcony.

Tammany House, named for the infamous 19th century New York political organization, is on the market for $1.2 million. Phtoto: Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty

Preserved details include exposed ceiling beams, and a wood-burning fireplace framed by stacked river stones that stretch to the ceiling A covered front patio with stone columns and French doors leads into the family room.

The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has an eat-in kitchen and a detached 2-car garage and sits on partially fenced property in the shadow of Tweed Boulevard, which the notorious Tammany Hall boss had built. Tweed reportedly envisioned a cluster of mansions on Clausland Mountain’s ridge.

Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party’s political machine, had a powerful hold on New York City and state’s19th-century political affairs. Tweed himself served in Congress and as a state senator before being appointed to positions that gave him and his gang control over elections and political patronage that allowed him to create jobs and hand out lucrative contracts.

Tweed was eventually convicted of stealing millions of dollars through corruption and sentenced to 12 years in prison.  He escape to New Jersey, Florida, Cuba, and to Spain, where he was captured and returned to the U.S., where he died in prison in 1878.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.