Val-Kill -- Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Site

Val-Kill was used as a retreat from 1926 until 1945, when it became Eleanor Roosevelt's home.

In later years, this is where Mrs. Roosevelt entertained visitors who came to see the woman known as the "First Lady of the World."

The idea for Val-Kill emerged in August 1924. Eleanor invited Nan and Marion to join her family at their favorite picnic spot by the Fall Kill stream, on the Roosevelt estate.

Listening to his wife's lament that Sara was closing the big house for the year, making this the last outing of the season, Franklin Roosevelt suggested that the three friends build a cottage nearby where they could enjoy the place year-round.

The women enthusiastically accepted his offer of several acres of land for their lifetime use.

Val-Kill was used as a retreat from 1926-45, when it became Eleanor Roosevelt's home.

Franklin himself helped architect Henry Toombs design the structure in Dutch Colonial style.

By 1925, a small fieldstone house stood on the site.