The Seward/Mapes Homestead Restoration

To most people the name William Henry Seward brings to mind the Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. It was during Johnson’s presidency that Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867 for 7.2 million dollars. At the time this purchase was thought to be a waste of money and was given the nickname of “Seward's Folly” or “Seward’s ice box”. (The cost was approximately 2 cents per acre). On Jan 3, 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. The Seward/Mapes Homestead presents a rare opportunity in historic preservation to focus on the lives and accomplishments of two men deeply engaged in the American Civil War on different levels – one as Secretary of State in the Lincoln Administration and the other as a Union soldier who survived many horrific battles before being severely wounded. That soldier was Captain William E. Mapes of the 124th New York State Volunteers, known as “The Orange Blossoms. The Homestead is also uniquely located in the Village of Florida and has the potential to become a vital community learning and cultural center.

35 North Main Street, Florida, NY 10921
Website
email: info@sewardhomestead.org
call: 845-651-7626