Revolutionary War Period

The Conference House, built c. 1680, is named for the Revolutionary War peace conference that was held there on September 11, 1776.

Although no major battles were fought on Staten Island during this period, a notable skirmish took place in nearby Rossville (formerly Blazing Star) in 1777.   A cannon used during that conflict, which had been donated to Conference House Park, was stolen from the park in 1972, and has never been recovered. Any information pertaining to the cannon's whereabouts will be greatly appreciated.

Located in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 7003 Amboy Rd., Tottenville, is the gravestone of a Revolutionary War soldier, Joseph W. Palmer.  Palmer, a Tottenville resident who served with a New Jersey Regiment, suffered a musket ball injury that ultimately led to his death in 1851.   Military records reveal that he was denied a pension because he was under age when he enlisted.

The Conference House, built ca. 1680

Plaque on Joseph Palmer's gravestone, Bethel Cemetery