Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow

Route 9, North Tarrytown, Westchester County. Believed to be the oldest church still used for religious worship in New York State. The little structure of thick stone walls, designed to withstand Indian attacks, was built by Manor Lord Frederick Philipse. Work was begun about 1684 and dedicated for use of the early settlers in 1697. Philipse and members of his family were buried in a crypt under the church. The old church was featured in the writings of Washington Irving, especially the legend of Sleep Hollow. In the adjacent old cemetery are the graves of Irving and other noted men.