Fort Tryon Park: The Remains of a Mansion

I had worked on a tv show north of the city. During the drive to set, we passed by Fort Tryon Park. I noticed some arches by the side of the road and had no idea what they were. So I decided to go up there and take a look. After doing some internet research, I learned that these arches are the remains of the driveway up to the old Billings Mansion, or Tryon Hall. Sadly, the estate burned down in the 1920s and the arches, along with a cottage that was the gatehouse, are all that are left.

The 190th St subway station.

The corner of the park entrance.

The arches seen from above.

The cottage/gatehouse.

Entrance to the park.

The Heather Garden, which we will look at more next week.

The entrance to the driveway. It is blocked off from the West Side Highway.

Walking up from the entrance to the arches.

The arches form a nice arcade.

The sun shining into the driveway.

Streetlamps and graffiti are prevalent.

It’s a popular path for joggers, despite the brick.

Another reason for the trip was to recon a setting for a book I am working on.

A view of the arches from the north side.

The trees make for nice camouflage.

A bench at the base of a cliff looking very story-esque.

Stairs that will take us back up to the garden.

Next week: More of Fort Tryon Park. Everything else south of the Cloisters (since we already covered them).