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Gideon Tucker House

A rare 1809 Federal-style brick-and-wood residence in Lower Manhattan, once home to a prominent civic leader and a notable Black abolitionist minister.

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What is the Gideon Tucker House known for?

It is a rare surviving Federal-style brick-and-wood house in lower Manhattan that retains its original dormer windows and gambrel roof. It is also significant for having been the residence of Black abolitionist minister Theodore S. Wright and potentially serving as a site for Underground Railroad activity.

Who was Gideon Tucker?

Gideon Tucker was the builder and original owner of the house, as well as the owner of the Tucker & Ludlam plaster factory. He was a prominent New Yorker who served as a School Commissioner, Commissioner of Estimates and Assessments, and Assistant Alderman of the Fifth Ward.

When was the house built?

The house was built in 1808–09.

What are the architectural features of the building?

The building is a two-and-a-half-story Federal-style corner house made of brick and wood. It is specifically noted for its enduring gambrel roof and original dormer windows.

Has the building been used for other things besides a home?

Yes, the building has previously served as a bar and a clothing store. Additionally, it reportedly housed a dance hall called "Shadow City" in the basement around the Civil War era.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Gideon Tucker House, located at 2 White Street, is a rare surviving remnant of the early 19th century. Built between 1808 and 1809 by Gideon Tucker, a prominent New Yorker who served as a School Commissioner and Assistant Alderman of the Fifth Ward, the house was likely the last in a row of residences that once stretched down White Street. Tucker, who also managed the Tucker & Ludlam plaster factory, lived in this unpretentious home until his death in 1845. Architecturally, the structure is a two-and-a-half-story Federal-style corner house. It is exceptionally rare in Manhattan because it retains its original gambrel roof and dormer windows, a combination of brick and wood construction that has endured for over 200 years. Because of its historical and aesthetic value, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated it a city landmark on July 19, 1966. Beyond its early architecture, the house has a rich social history. By 1842, it became the residence of Reverend Theodore S. Wright, a notable Black abolitionist minister. The building may have served as a site for Underground Railroad activity, assisting African Americans in escaping Southern slavery prior to the Civil War. Over the years, the house has transitioned through various uses, including serving as a bar and a clothing store.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the gambrel roof and original dormer windows to appreciate the rare architectural details.
  • Notice the contrast between this small 1809 house and the towering modern buildings surrounding it.
  • Allow a few minutes to read about the connection to Reverend Theodore S. Wright and the abolitionist movement.

Nearby context

The house stands at the northeast corner of West Broadway, serving as a tiny, historic anchor in the heart of Tribeca's evolving urban landscape.

Sources

Evidence and links