Sousa, John Philip, House
Why it's listed
Perched on a bluff above Manhasset Bay at Sands Point, this two-and-a-half story stuccoed house was built in 1907 by A. B. Trowbridge and later called "Wild Bank." John Philip Sousa lived here from 1915 until his death in 1932, adding a wing at the north end that holds the dining room and bedrooms. The red terra cotta tile roof, a long porch and balcony, and a library with Sousa's original shelves remain notable features. The 1.6-acre grounds also hold an L-shaped garage and stable and a small wooden teahouse near the beach. Sousa, known as the "March King," directed the U.S. Marine Band, formed his own band in 1892, toured Europe and the world, and wrote more than a hundred marches, among them "Semper Fidelis" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever." The property was recognized for its link to his later years, and it remains a private residence.
Significance in brief: The house was the home of John Philip Sousa, the "March King," from 1915 to 1932. Sousa won international acclaim as a composer and bandmaster, directed the U.S. Marine Band, and led his own band, raising the marching band to new artistic and commercial heights. He composed over a hundred marches, including "Semper Fidelis" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000532, listed October 15, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 14 Hicks Lane, Sands Point, Port Washington |
|---|---|
| County | Nassau County |
| Listed | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000532 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1915-1932 |
| Architect / builder | A. B. Trowbridge (builder of the house, 1907) |
| Areas of significance | Performing Arts |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated May 23, 1966 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and still used as a private residence; the garage apartment is still in use and the teahouse is used as a cabana. |
| Acreage | 1.6 |
| Coordinates | 40.84413, -73.72984 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000532.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6252778
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.