Vanderbilt Mansion

Vanderbilt Mansion • Route 9, Hyde Park, 12538 • Phone: (845) 229-9115 • Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. May - October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Admission charged. Groups welcome. Handicapped accessible. Tours available. Related story • Hyde Park estate persistent lure to Frederick Vanderbilt, wife

Vanderbilt Mansion, home of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt, represented the "Gilded Age," was built by Frederick William Vanderbilt in 1898.

Beautiful grounds, trails, formal gardens, and a spectacular view of the Hudson River draw tourist from around the country.

Until the 1930s, lavish parties and balls were held here summer and fall. Guests were drawn from America's wealthiest families and European nobility. A staff of seventeen, including Hyde Park townspeople, ran the household. Its own farm supplied the larder.

After Louise Vanderbilt died in 1926, Frederick lived out his days here amid his trees and gardens.

Louise's niece Margaret Van Alen inherited the estate upon Frederick's death in 1938. The next year she told President Franklin Roosevelt she wished to "keep my place as it is-a memorial to Uncle Fred and a national monument."

In 1940 it was donated to the federal government by Margaret Van Alen and became a National Historic Site.

Vanderbilt Mansion was built by Frederick William Vanderbilt in 1898.

One of the best places in Dutchess County to see a large variety of trees is the Vanderbilt Mansion. At least 45 different species can be found on the grounds.

By the circular driveway in front of the mansion stands a tulip tree, a favorite of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who played a part in having the National Park Service acquire the Vanderbilt estate in 1940.