“One if by Land Two if by Sea” is not just a charming restaurant but one of the most enchanting and romantic spots in New York City. It’s hard to imagine that this cozy place was once a carriage house that belonged to Aaron Burr – a Founding Father and Vice President of the United States during Thomas Jefferson’s first presidential term.
What is the meaning of “One If by Land Two If by Sea”
The restaurant’s name betrays its connection to American history. “One, if by land, and two, if by sea” is the phrase coined by the American poet Henry Longfellow in his poem, Paul Revere’s Ride. The poem speaks of the fact that Paul Revere arranged to have a signal to alert the patriots about the approaching attack by the British – one lantern if the British were coming by land and two if they were coming by sea.
Aaron Burr’s Carriage House
Aaron Burr’s estate – Richmond Hill – was located nearby at the corner of Varick, Charlton streets. Burr bought it from John Adams in 1791 and acquired quite a lot of land in what is now the West Village. On a fateful day of July 11, 1804, Aaron Burr – the sitting Vise President of the United States, met Alexander Hamilton – the first American Secretary of the Treasury, in a duel. This most unfortunate occurrence cost General Alexander Hamilton his life and Burr – his further political career as well as financial stability.
Burr had to sell Richmond Hill and downsize to a charming but modest house at 17 Commerce Street, with a carriage house in close proximity, at 17 Barrow Street. Eventually, he had to sell most of his New York property, including the carriage house at 17 Barrow Street.
From Carriage House to a Restaurant
The carriage house became a stable and engine house. In the late 1890s, the city authorities sold it to a new owner, who discretely turned it into a house of ill repute. At the beginning of the 20th century, it turned into a silent movie house, then a bar, and later, as the 20th century progressed, 17 Barrow Street became a restaurant. The current owner acquired it in 1970 and restored it to its early 19th-century charm.
Visiting Ghosts
Adding to its poetic image are the ghosts of Aron Burr himself and his daughter Theodosia who still frequent the premises. Theodosia has always been a great support to his father. Burr’s wife fell ill and could not perform the duties of the hostess; it was his daughter, Theodosia, who became the hostess of Richmond Hill.
After getting married, she moved to South Carolina. The father and daughter remained very close, keeping contact through letters and visits.
In 1812, Theodosia was on her way to New York from South Carolina to visit her father. Tragically, the ship carrying her vanished without a trace. Immediately after its disappearance, rumors started circulating suggesting that pirates captured the ship. Heartbroken, Aaron Burr refused to accept it, believing that she had died in a shipwreck. It is said that, keeping the word to her father, Theodosia returned to 17 Barrow Street as an apparition, and the two of them are still there.
“One If by Land, Two If by Sea” is a treasure of the West Village, offering delectable dishes, unique historical charm, and the invisible presence of one of the country’s Founding Fathers, Aaron Burr, and his beloved daughter, Theodosia.
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