Reid Castle

Reid Hall, commonly known as "The Castle," is a historic academic building situated on the campus of Manhattanville University in Purchase, Westchester County, New York. Constructed in 1892, this massive granite structure was originally designed as a private residence for Whitelaw Reid, a prominent publisher and diplomat who served as the United States Minister to France. The estate features extensive landscaping by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted. Architecturally, the building is a striking example of Renaissance Revival style, designed by the famous architect Stanford White. It stands as a four-story, L-shaped edifice characterized by a five-story tower and a crenellated battlement parapet that conceals a flat roof, giving it its distinctive castle-like appearance.

The site holds significant historical depth, occupying the footprint of Ophir Hall, a previous mansion owned by Ben Holladay that was destroyed by fire before Reid commissioned its replacement. The property was later expanded in 1912 by the firm McKim, Mead & White to include a large library wing and a guest cottage. Notably, Reid Hall was once considered a potential location for the headquarters of the United Nations before the organization selected its current site in Manhattan. This unique piece of history underscores the building's grandeur and strategic importance during the mid-20th century.

In 1951, Manhattanville College purchased the property, transitioning the former private home into an integral part of their academic campus. Recognizing its architectural and historical value, Reid Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 22, 1974. Today, it remains a well-preserved landmark covering approximately 50,000 square feet on 1.5 acres of grounds. The building continues to serve the university community while standing as a testament to the Gilded Age craftsmanship of Stanford White and the legacy of the Reid family in American history.