Historic Environments

“All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Of course this is the quote that the FDR National Historic Site would use to explain why not only FDR himself but any of their 150,000 visitors each year should keep returning to this landscape right in the mid-Hudson valley.  The push to preserve historical sites is easily supplemented by the existence of a beautiful viewscape, and thus history buffs and landscape lovers alike can find something to enjoy within the 300 acres.

Burial site of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, surrounded by a rose garden.

Established as a National Historic Site in 1945, the FDR estate is preserved as a way to remember and honor the life of our 32nd president.  The area includes most notably “Springwood,” the famous mansion of the president, but also a commemorative historical museum, the presidential library, and extensive acreage devoted to preserving the grounds and gardens that were so important to the conservationally-aware president.

Restoration project for FDR’s home garden. “FDR was shaped by landscape, so it should tell that story,” our tour guide noted.

Whether or not you agree with the politics of this president or are tired of hearing of the legacy of another white male leader, there are still ways to appreciate the extensive landscape through the lenses of not only history but environmentalism and even architecture.  There are continued projects to restore the original gardens and place emphasis on the “war years” when FDR spent most of the time in this part of the Hudson Valley.   Meant to remain consistent with the era outlined by the cultural landscape, the site offers some glimpse of the time period and will continue to draw visitors by capitalizing on natural human curiosity for time periods that are not our own.

Capitalizing on our material desires, too. Never forget something for the dogs.