Valhalla -Health Sciences Library - New York Medical College

So where is Valhalla, New York?

Valhalla, New York is…
a hamlet of about 5,000 residents in the Town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County. It is located approximately 25 miles or 40 minutes north of Manhattan by car (map & directions) or by train. Valhalla is 5 miles northeast of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and 6 miles northwest of White Plains, New York and the Westchester County Airport. When taking the train from Grand Central Station in New York City, it is the third local station north of White Plains on the Metro North Harlem line.

It is often assumed that the hamlet was named Vahlhalla after the Norse hall of slain warriors because of the nearly 1000 acres set aside for cemeteries in the area. History records, however, that the local post office took this name in 1861, much earlier than 1889 when the Kensico cemetery first opened. Later, in 1904, the railroad station adopted the name. Local historians report that the wife of the first postmaster, Andrew J. Kirch, was a Wagner opera fan, in which Valhalla and the Norse warriors play prominent roles.

For MSN map and driving directions, click here.

Lederer, R.M. (1978). The Place-names of Westchester County, New York. Harrison, NY: Harbor Hill Books.

Updated by C.Yankou 8/24/04