Mount Gulian Historic Site

Mount Gulian is the Verplanck family homestead located in southern Dutchess County, New York on the scenic Hudson River.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home was originally built by Gulian Verplanck, a prominent Dutch merchant, between 1730 and 1740.

The Mount Gulian Society, a nonprofit, private organization, was formed in 1966 to restore the original building which was destroyed by fire in 1931 and to promote the site as an historical educational and cultural facility

When you visit, you'll notice several interesting architectural features, including the gambrel roof which slopes down and outward in a graceful bell-like curve to become the roof of the veranda, the original colonial kitchen with the large cooking fireplace and beehive oven, and the four capped chimneys. The home features a large meeting/exhibit room, a museum room with Revolutionary War era collections, and a dining room with period furnishings. Adjacent to the home is a restored 18th century Dutch barn built by the Verplancks.

Mount Gulian is historically significant because of its role in the Revolutionary War. In 1783, during the final period of the War, the home served as the headquarters of America's General von Steuben. An unheralded hero of the Revolution von Steuben was the Continental Army's Drillmaster and Inspector General.Under his supervision, the rag-tag American army was transformed into a disciplined and victorious military force.

It was also at Mount Gulian that the Society of the Cincinnati was formed on May 13, 1783. Our country's first veterans' organization, the Cincinnati was formed by officers of the Continental Army as a fraternal organization. Still in existence today, the Cincinnati has 13 chapters for the thirteen original states, and one in France, in recognition of France's role in the War. Mount Gulian is the official headquarters of the New York Society of the Cincinnati. It is interesting to note that the city of Cincinnati takes its name from the Society.

Educational Programs

Kathy McLaughlin/Poughkeepsie Journal General George Washington, re-enacted by William Sommerfield, inspects the troops at Mount Gulian.

Ever since opening day in 1975, Mount Gulian has offered many educational and artistic programs and special events for the public to enjoy. Thousands of visitors join us each year by touring our site and participating in our programming and special events.

Our school, group and individual tours focus on a variety of topics including early Dutch settlers, the Revolutionary War, and 19th century domestic life. Our facilities feature changing exhibits, workshops,and art and craft classes. Our meeting/exhibit room on the main floor and sloping lawn overlooking the majestic Hudson River provide a relaxing, beautiful venue for our programs and special events.

Historic Garden Restoration

Originally designed in 1804, our formal English gardens attracted many visitors from the Hudson Valley and beyond for well over a century. Gardener James Brown, an escaped slave, kept an extensive diary about his life and work in the garden from 1829 to 1868. Presently, our hearty volunteers are working to restore the ornamental garden to its original beauty.

Site Rental

Mount Gulian is available for weddings, meetings and other gatherings. We offer a unique setting combining history and nature perfect for those looking for something tastefully different. Further information is available upon request.

Gift Shop

Located in the downstairs original kitchen area, our gift shop includes unique, quality, handmade items by local crafts people, as well as an assortment of "Americana" items for adults and children.

Membership

Memberships are a principal source of support for Mount Gulian. After visiting, you may wish to show your support by becoming a member. Our member receive a 10% discount on gift shop items, free general tour admission, invitations to special events and programs, and our newsletter. Membership is fully eligible for tax deduction.

For more information, call (845) 831-8172, or write us at: 145 Sterling St., Beacon, N.Y. 12508.

Special Events

Events are a popular attraction at Mount Gulian. A sample of our annual events includes:
- Juried Crafts Fair, featuring work by the finest artisans in the Hudson Valley.
- Revolutionary War Living History Weekend, where visitors step back in time to witness battle re-enactments, a military encampment, colonial crafts demonstrations and 18th-century entertainment
- Halloween storytelling in the historic barn, a family event where the children ask us to scare them even more.
- Christmas Candlelight Tour of the home, ending our year of special events.

Mount Gulian's active volunteer group participates in our events, programs and garden restoration. If you are interested in volunteering, we would be happy to hear from you. Information about tours, as well as specific dates of our events and programs, are available upon request. For more information, please call (845) 831-8172.