Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Hyde Park's Historic Homes

Visiting the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt Residences

Jan 16, 2009 Christopher Cooper

Three national historic sites that were home to some of America's most famous figures are all within minutes of visitors to Hyde Park, in New York's Hudson River Valley.

A weekend trip to Hyde Park will allow visitors to easily tour three historic homes: the Vanderbilt Mansion; the Franklin D. Roosevelt home and library; and the retreat of Eleanor Roosevelt. Each provides glimpses into the power and personalities of these notable individuals in American history.

A “Gilded Age” Mansion on the banks of the Hudson

Frederick Vanderbilt was one of the richest men in the United States when he purchased a neglected property along the Hudson River in 1895. Within three years, the railroad millionaire transformed the house and grounds into a retreat that was representative of the “Gilded Age,” the era that takes its name from the many great fortunes created during this period and the way of life that wealth supported. Frederick and wife Louise entertained New York society during the spring and fall when they made the fifty-four room Italian Renaissance mansion their residence. Frederick also enjoyed working on his land, and followed an English country park plan for the estate’s landscaping. Today, no admission is required to stroll the beautiful grounds which are open daily until sunset.

FDR’s Lifelong Home

The New Deal ideas of Franklin Delano Roosevelt were nurtured a few minutes away along Route 9 in the home where FDR grew up and lived when not occupying the White House. The tour guide will point out the long, tree-lined lane that FDR traversed on crutches in hopes of strengthening his polio-inflicted body. The best feature of the national historic site is the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. One can easily spend several hours among the displays on the lives of Franklin and his popular wife, Eleanor, and the photographs and commentaries of the world events that shaped FDR’s administration. An informative film at the visitor’s center provides additional background into the hardships and successes of the famous couple.

Eleanor’s Private Oasis

A few minutes drive from the FDR home on another part of Roosevelt’s Hyde Park estate is the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic site at Val-kill. Eleanor lived in the modest stone cottage from the time of Franklin’s death in 1945 until her death in 1962. This quiet retreat is where Eleanor received world leaders and made her mark on civil rights legislation and international humanitarian issues as one of the most admired and influential women in U.S. history. The site features a film, a guided tour, and 180 acres of trails open to the public.

Other Hyde Park Attractions

Hyde Park is also home to the world’s premier culinary college, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner at four award-winning student-staffed restaurants after touring the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt estates. The campus offers the renowned CIA Boot Camp for cooking enthusiasts who have an extra day or two to spend in the area. In addition, the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from June to October.

From May 1 to October 31, visitors can purchase a combination pass to tours of the Vanderbilt Mansion, Home of FDR, FDR Library & Museum, and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at a reduced cost of $18, a savings of $5 off individual site fees. The National Park Service website has additional information for visitors.

The copyright of the article Hyde Park's Historic Homes in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Christopher Cooper. Permission to republish Hyde Park's Historic Homes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.