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Thirty-five miles north of Times Square, along the line of the Saw Mill River in Westchester County, the Town of New Castle illustrates in dramatic fashion the larger demographic patterns of the nation as a whole. Just as the United States was overwhelming rural until well after the Civil War, when rapid industrialization propelled the country to international prominence, so also was Chappaqua, an isolated country village until the middle of the 19th century, later transformed by small factories. And, as the American republic became the world leader in transportation technology, New Castle was an early beneficiary of railroads and highways.

More importantly, this little town in Westchester County is reflective of what might called the "American ideal." Oriented towards family, church and school, it is justifiably proud of its beauty, its spaciousness, and its tranquility. Similarly, as the United States has become more ethnically and religiously diverse, New Castle has become more heterogeneous.

But Chappaqua could hardly be described as a typical American community. Since the early years of the 20th century, it has been one of the most affluent and attractive of tens of thousands of the nation's suburbs. Its school system is consistently ranked among the top secondary institutions in the country, and its per capita income has long been far above the national average. Until recently, its quiet roadways were almost devoid of apartments of any kind, and its average home prices were among the highest in the continent.

The Town of New Castle, therefore, represents in extreme form many of the larger patterns of the nation as a whole, and its history will help illuminate important aspects of the American past and American present.