Name/Title
The Bull Stone HouseEntry/Object ID
001997Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
THE BULL STONE HOUSE
The homestead of the Bull family of Orange County is located on the edge of Purgatory Swamp behind "Burrying Hill" just south of the old village of Hamptonburgh. It stands on solid rock, a fine early 18th century architectural landmark and monument to the stone mason builder William Bull. He carefully laid stone upon stone to create a home for his growing family whose descendants still dwell there maintaining a family museum. Called the Matriarch of Orange County houses, it was begun in 1722 over a flowing spring to provide water in the event of attack by unfriendly natives who resided in the area. (There is no known record of any hostilities as they were treated kindly and were helpful to the early settling of the area). The house has been used continually as a residence, but served as a fort, school, Quaker Meeting House and animal shelter during the periods of the French and Indian War and the War of Independence.
Remarkable for its retention of much original architectural detail, the structure is nearly square, with walls and center bearing partition being made of faced native fieldstone. No major structural change has been made, although the eaves and gable ends were extended over 100 years ago when the second roof of slate replaced the original wood shingles. One massive chimney within the east wall contains five flues extending from each of the fireplaces. The floor plan may be found in several other Orange County houses though none of them as early. The first floor with its side hall, adjoining parlor and two rooms across the rear, has an outstanding staircase leading to the second floor. Its turned balusters are similar in design to the turned legs of late 17th-early 18th century New York tables. The second floor balusters date, stylistically back to the 17th century England where Bull was born in Wolverhampton. This may be the only Jacobean stair design now existing in the Hudson Valley.
The wide entrances, high ceilings, few but large windows and simple but functional interior design create an air of elegance and stature rare for the dwelling places of the early colonial period.
The house and nearby Dutch Barn were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The house and grounds also serve as the annual reunion site of the very large family of descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells. They were the first white couple married in the original Goshen Township. Their twelve children produced the "Tribes" of Bull's now scattered around the world.
The Bull Stone House is not just a building; it is a remarkable piece of American history that has remained in the same family for over 300 years. Here is a deeper look at its significance and the "tribes" mentioned in your document.
The "Twelve Tribes" of Bull
The document mentions twelve children who produced the "Tribes of Bull." These descendants are so numerous (estimated at over 20,000 living today) that they are traditionally organized by the names of the twelve children of William and Sarah:
Child Born Notable Legacy
John 1721 The eldest; his descendants often lead the Family Association today.
William II 1723 Built his own homestead on family land.
Sarah 1725 Married into the Booth family of Hamptonburgh.
Thomas 1727 Built Hill-Hold, which is now a public Orange County museum.
Isaac 1729 Settled in the "Little Britain" area of Orange County.
Esther 1731 Married into the Miller family of Montgomery.
Mary 1733 Her line remains very active in the annual reunions.
Margaret 1736 Married into the Horton family of Goshen.
Catherine 1738 Married James Falkner of Wallkill.
Ann 1740 Married William Eager of Neelytown.
Richard 1743 His descendants moved into the "East Division" of the county.
Eleanor 1745 The youngest; married Henry Weller of Montgomery.
National Register & Current Status (2026)
The house and its New World Dutch Barn (one of the few remaining in the U.S.) were added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 18, 1974 (Reference #74001287).
The Reunion: The Bull Family Reunion is the second longest continuous annual family reunion in the United States, held every year since 1867.
2026 Celebration: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the family association is planning a special celebration during the Annual Picnic on August 2, 2026, to commemorate the Bull family’s participation in the war.
A Living Museum: Unlike many historic sites, it is still a private residence. A 9th-generation descendant currently serves as the resident caretaker. Tours are typically available by appointment only.
Architectural "Easter Egg"
The document mentions the house was built over a flowing spring. This was a defensive tactic: if the house were surrounded during a conflict, the family would have a permanent internal water source. While the water level has dropped over the centuries, the original well pump was recently restored and is once again functional for visitors.
