The Cyrus Bates House & Rhodes Greenhouses

The Cyrus Bates House, located at 7185 New York State Route 3 in Henderson, New York, is an important part of the history surrounding Rhodes Greenhouses and the local community. Built around 1820 from native limestone, the house is a well-preserved example of early Federal-style architecture in Jefferson County.

The home was originally constructed by Oliver Bates and his son Cyrus Bates, early settlers who moved to Henderson around 1806. Before building the stone house, the Bates family lived in a log cabin while establishing their farmstead in the developing frontier community. By the late 1830s, the Bates property had grown into a 141-acre farm, supporting agriculture and family life during the early settlement of northern New York.

Bates House Is Example of Henderson's Rich History

A Historic Landmark

Over the years, the house became known by several names, including the Oliver Bates House and the T.O. Whitney House, reflecting later owners who continued farming the land.

The home gained additional historical significance during the 1830s, when it served as a meeting place for early missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In July 1836, one of the church’s original Twelve Apostles, Orson Pratt, married Sarah Bates, daughter of Cyrus Bates, in the home.

The property is also believed to have served as a possible stop on the Underground Railroad, further tying the site to important chapters in American history.

Connection to Rhodes Greenhouses

In the 1960s, the property was purchased by Leland Rhodes, who established Rhodes Greenhouses in 1962 on the surrounding land. While the historic house remained standing along Route 3, the adjacent property was transformed into a growing greenhouse operation that would serve gardeners across Northern New York for decades.

Today, the historic home remains a visible part of the Rhodes Greenhouses property and stands as a reminder of the region’s early agricultural roots.

Preserving Local History

Recognizing its architectural and historical importance, the Cyrus Bates House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 14, 2004.

Although the house is privately owned and not open for public tours, it remains an important landmark along New York State Route 3 and reflects the deep history of settlement, farming, and community development in Henderson.

The continued presence of the home alongside Rhodes Greenhouses connects two centuries of agricultural tradition in Jefferson County—from early pioneer farms to the greenhouse operation that continues to serve the community today.

Visit Rhodes Greenhosues

With over 40,000 square feet of growing space, Rhodes Greenhouses offers one of the largest selections of annual flowers in Northern New York. Our team grows many of these plants right here in our greenhouses to ensure they are healthy, strong, and ready to thrive in your garden.

Visit us in Henderson, NY to explore our vibrant annual displays and find the perfect flowers for your garden.

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