The mansion could be described as a conjunction of the neoclassical, Greek Revival and late Federal-styles.
It was built by David Crawford, who had made his fortune in Hudson River shipping in during the 1830s.
Crawford was leased the land on March 8th, 1830, by the Trustees of the Glebe, for a period of 900 years.
His family originated from Ulster, and immigrated to America in 1731, settling Little Britain alongside the Clinton family.
The Crawfords moved to Newburgh in 1806 as David's father, Francis, saw a burgeoning market for agricultural products.
With Eunice Watkins of Campbell Hall, he had four sons: David, Thomas, Samuel and James.
The brothers and their mother succumbed to tuberculosis, and David ameliorated his health by accepting a job as a deputy sheriff in 1810.
Frequent horseback-riding built up his immunity.

As the War of 1812 broke out, Crawford enlisted in the army and formed a volunteer company which relocated to New York Harbor.
He became attached to an artillery regiment and eventually promoted to captain.
After spending time in the harbor, he gained an understanding of shipping and maritime trade, becoming interested in their economic benefits.

In May 1822, David Crawford married Fanny C. Belknap, daughter of General Isaac Belknap.
They had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, called "Lib", and Anna.
In 1825, he became involved in the building of a steamboat to freight goods from Newburgh to New York City.
The steamer Baltimore, purchased during the winter of 1829—1830, began shipping from D. Crawford & Co.'s wharf that spring.
The mansion could be described as a conjunction of the neoclassical, Greek Revival and late Federal-styles. It was built by David Crawford, who had made his fortune in Hudson River shipping in during the 1830s. Crawford was leased the land on March 8th, 1830, by the Trustees of the Glebe, for a period of 900 years. His family originated from Ulster, and immigrated to America in 1731, settling Little Britain alongside the Clinton family. The Crawfords moved to Newburgh in 1806 as David's father, Francis, saw a burgeoning market for agricultural products. With Eunice Watkins of Campbell Hall, he had four sons: David, Thomas, Samuel and James. The brothers and their mother succumbed to tuberculosis, and David ameliorated his health by accepting a job as a deputy sheriff in 1810. Frequent horseback-riding built up his immunity.
As the War of 1812 broke out, Crawford enlisted in the army and formed a volunteer company which relocated to New York Harbor. He became attached to an artillery regiment and eventually promoted to captain. After spending time in the harbor, he gained an understanding of shipping and maritime trade, becoming interested in their economic benefits.
In May 1822, David Crawford married Fanny C. Belknap, daughter of General Isaac Belknap. They had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, called "Lib", and Anna. In 1825, he became involved in the building of a steamboat to freight goods from Newburgh to New York City. The steamer Baltimore, purchased during the winter of 1829—1830, began shipping from D. Crawford & Co.'s wharf that spring.
David Crawford House