Historic Environments

Just two miles from the charming town of Beacon, NY, lies an abandoned, decrepit warehouse. Shattered glass, rotten wood, and rusted metal live with with the vines and creepers sneaking in through broken windows. Graffiti coated walls rest among a backdrop of dense woods. Remnants of industrial America blend in, seamlessly, with nature’s aggressive expansion.

Wilderness slowly swallows the old brick works

Dennings Point is the site of a 19^th century brick factory, cozily nestled in a gorgeous New York forest on the banks of the Hudson River. The factory served not only as a key manufacturing establishment in the Hudson Valley, but also as an important landmark. Supplying bricks for buildings all over the country – namely the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center – earned Dennings Point Brick Works its reputation nationwide.

Dennings Point, throughout the years, has written itself in some of the most famous American stories. Said to have been occupied since 4000 BC, it supposedly saw George Washington cross from it to the other side of the Hudson during the Revolutionary War. Whispers claim that Alexander Hamilton, the renowned American statesman and founding father, drafted the beginnings of the famous Federalist Papers here.

Spray painted walls complement the fiery orange leaves

After the factory was shut down during World War II, the site was used as a base for Durisol, a concrete making company, and a manufacturer that produced paper clips. Today, it is home to the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, a beautiful building dedicated to water research and ecological conservation.

A 19th century brick manufactured at the site is built into the footpath around the Beacon Institute

Dennings Point will leave you in awe – at the impudence of Man, destroying nature and putting our stamp on the world, and at the power of Nature, who has managed to slowly, broodingly, take back what rightfully belongs to her.

Do you believe in aliens, or just want to hike through some of New York City’s watershed?  If so, then come hike the trail from Mead Farm to Hawk Rock in Kent, New York, established by the Kent Conservation Advisory Committee.  Just off of Whangtown Road, this hike takes about 2 hours round trip, and takes you through a young wood past several interesting locations!

The large stone chamber on Mead Farm

Prior towards the acquisition of this land sometime in the 20th century, this land had long been farmland.  Mead Farm is named for Moses F. Mead who owned and operated it in the 1860s.  Remnants of the land’s past use can be seen throughout the hike.  The first one is a large stone wall — a part of an old farm building.  Next is a large stone chamber, built into the hillside with a stone roof.  Chambers like these are scattered throughout New England, but this one in particular is large and accessible.  If you were excited about the aliens I mentioned, look no further!  Many theories surround these stone chambers; farm land buildings, Celtic structures, and the more whimsical theory of alien structures.  Another can be found on this hike, but is unsafe to enter.

Hawk Rock, the final point of the hike

The trail on Mead Farm is rocky and uneven, but becomes easier a little while past the stone chamber, as it follows an old road.  The path is clear of foliage and will eventually lead to a few more sites!  One of these is Balanced Rock, a huge boulder that appears precariously balanced.  The other is Hawk Rock, a large glacial erratic that looks somewhat like a roosting hawk!  On Hawk Rock there are some petroglyphs, which are just as mysterious as the aforementioned stone chambers!  Though the terrain is a little rough, this hike is lovely — even in the rain!

Acclaimed as one of the most important metalworks in America throughout the Civil War era, The West Point Foundry is most renowned for the Parrot gun, a high precision cannon-like weapon. Situated near the Hudson, with a neighboring iron ore, and lots of trees, the Foundry was well equipped with natural resources for manufacturing. The Foundry’s claim to fame is that Abraham Lincoln is visited the site to view an equipment demonstration. From 1952-1979 a neighboring battery company dumped tons of toxic waste into Foundry cove, which had detrimental effects on the ecology of the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency identified the region as a superfund site and invested $100 million dollars to clean it up. By 1996, the site was taken off the superfund registry and bought by Scenic Hudson. From operational foundry, to sludge site, to historically preserved wonder, the West Point Foundry is definitely a site worth seeing.

Representatives of Scenic Hudson discussing the site.

Today, Scenic Hudson preserves 87 acres and markets the Foundry as an “outdoor museum.” You can find well maintained trails and artistic representations of historic machinery, including a full-scale model of a waterwheel that powered the Boring Mill. The ruins of several buildings remain, which give a taste for the history once had there. In addition, you can take a self guided audio tour through the use of a comprehensive digital app.

Ruins of the 1865 Office Building

The site provides a stunning viewshed and represents more than just a history of Industrial America. Today, the West Point Foundry illustrates an important environmental renewal site. Come and walk your dog, or ride your bike as you enjoy miles of foot trails and picnic areas.

Foundry Brook

Front facing view of the mansion

Have you ever wondered exactly how the filthy rich families of the Gilded Age lived their everyday lives? Perhaps you’re curious about the inner happenings of New York high society circa 1890? Maybe you’re just into cool houses with fancy paintings and marble columns? If you said Yes! to any of these questions, then a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion is more than worth your time.

Renaissance style art and busts can be found throughout the house

Though you can’t quite see it through the veil of trees, the Vanderbilt Mansion sits off of Route 9, and is just over a 10 mile drive from Vassar’s main campus. The National Historic Site sits on 200 acres of land, and boasts a total of 15,000 square feet, and 54 rooms including a grand entrance, dining room, and study. All of the furniture in the mansion is original to Fredrick and Louise Vanderbilt, and many an Art History major could benefit from studying the renaissance style paintings and sculptures found throughout the house. Construction of the mansion began in 1896 and ended in 1899, three years and $2.25 million later. Just to clarify, a $2.25 million project in the 1890’s would roughly cost about $64 million by today’s standards.

The mansion itself is quite an experience, but the viewshed it protects is arguably even more enjoyable. The Vanderbilt Mansion was donated to the National Park Service in 1940, shortly after the death of Fredrick Vanderbilt. The Lordly Hudson is visible from the main property, and the most scenic viewpoint overlooks both tree covered hills and the Hudson river. A hike down to the Hudson takes around 30 minutes, and the Italian garden on the main grounds is quite lovely. Really, there is no excuse for a Vassar student to not visit the mansion during their time in Poughkeepsie. Be it the grandiose marble architecture, or the scenic viewpoints found throughout the property, Vanderbilt Mansion has something for everyone.

Road-facing view on main grounds

“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.

Slabsides is a rustic wood cabin located in West Park, New York. It was constructed by John Burroughs, an acclaimed nature essayist who resided in the Hudson Valley. Named for the rough bark of various tree species that line the outside of the cabin, Slabsides has been standing since 1895. Burroughs welcomed many guests to Slabsides, sporting a guestbook with nearly 7,000 signatures from people who would come to tour the area and learn about nature from Burroughs himself. Among these guests were notable figures such as John Muir, Henry Ford, and Teddy Roosevelt; many Vassar women also visited the site and were so inspired they started Wake Robin, Vassar’s first nature club which was named after one of Burroughs’ books.

John Burroughs two-story wood cabin.

The original plot of land which took up just 9 acres in 1895 has been expanded across 200 acres by the John Burroughs Association. The nature preserve is complete with many different trails spreading throughout the beautiful hemlock forest accented by waterfalls, wildflowers, fern valleys, and rock formations. The trails are open to the public year round from dawn to dusk, admission is free but donations are welcomed. The cabin itself is only open a few times a year, though the unique Adirondack log cabin architecture can be seen from the trails as well.

Slabsides has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark as well as a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area making it not only a beautiful natural space, but a window into the past. The trails allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of John Burroughs and take some time to slow down and appreciate nature.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” -John Burroughs, 1912

View into the forest from a trail.

Kimlin Cider Mill is a historic landmark located on Cedar Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY. The property is an old barn, circa 1880, resting on 2 acres of land that was converted into a cider mill by the Kimlin family around 1925-1935. The property used to be used for farming, with sheep being raised behind the mill. The Cider Mill Friends are the current owners of the barn. They are the preservation group that saved the historic site from destruction and are working towards restoring this piece of the community’s history. If they had not prevailed in saving the barn, it wouldn’t been torn down and turned into a subdivision. They have received financial help from state organizations and through donations, however they are short of the necessary funds to restore the property. In order to maintain preservation efforts and funds, the Cider Mill Friends envision turning the barn into a retail attraction, such as a restaurant, a tourist attraction, or a museum.  

The Cider Mill Friends were impressively knowledgeable about the history of the cider mill and the Kimlin family. They mentioned that the original cider press was powered by horses and that the Kimlins actually sold some of their cider to Mott’s. The cider mill remains culturally relevant to the community by hosting events throughout the year, such as cider tasting events every year. The Cider Mill Friends provided convincing arguments when asked why we, the community, should want to save this place. They noted that the cider mill was noteworthy, interesting, and a unique “part of the community.” They argued that this site was important for preserving the history of their community. In this sense, the residents of the Town of Poughkeepsie should feel very drawn to the preservation of this site, as it is intended to preserve their own community’s history. Vassar students even used to walk all the way from campus just to stop by and grab some cider!

The classic viewscape as seen from the top of the hill near the manor.

Locust Grove is a historic site originally preserved for the historical value found in the manor and artwork of the Young family, as well as briefly being home to Samuel Morse, the inventor of Morse code. That said, there is very little sign of Morse to be found at the site, save for his influence in the design of the manor. Most of the historic artifacts belonged to the Young family, who arranged for the site’s historic status. Still, the greatest value of the park is as a green space and environmental preserve; most visitors to the park are local residents taking advantage of the hiking trails and idyllic views. The Locust Grove Foundation has purchased additional land over time, hoping to eventually regain all the land which once belonged to the estate. Currently Locust Grove boasts 200 acres of green space in Poughkeepsie, with 15 acres preserved historically as they were when the Youngs were in residence. Locust Grove does not charge for entry into the grounds, so most of the financial support it receives comes from private donations. Regular visitors rarely donate, but are still able to enjoy the beautiful green spaces and trails, and purchase works by local artists from the gift shop.

Recyclable gift boxes made by local artists

There is little historic information to be found outside of the manor and gardens, which have been preserved, and exhibits in the visitors’  center, all of which require entry and touring fees. While the Youngs intended for the main function of Locust Grove to be historic, the Locust Grove Foundation and the staff at the site acknowledge that its greatest value lies in the environmental preservation and hiking trails at the site. For students and residents nearby, Locust Grove provides a location for hikes, picnics, and even yoga, with the added bonus of historically preserved buildings and artwork for the discerning visitor.

This blog is maintained by the Vassar College students of ENST 291 – Field Experiences in the Hudson Valley. We will spend 6 weeks visiting local places whose history has helped them become parks, wilderness areas, or other forms of preserved environment.

Students will post short (200-300 word) trip reports with photos to summarize what we have learned about each place. These blogs will serve as our brochure of historic sites that can be visited and the environmental protection that does or could happen there.

Comments will be turned on and interaction with our posts and our class is encouraged.

-Dr. April M. Beisaw, Assistant Professor of Anthropology