Hyde Park in Dutchess County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Preserving a President’s View
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Nat’l Hist Pk
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2016
1. Preserving a President’s View Marker
James Roosevelt purchased a house on 110 acres alongside the Hudson River in 1867. Both he and his son, FDR, cherished the vista from the south lawn, which provided the backdrop for many family, community, and political events. Eventually, this view encompassed the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge (1888) and the Mid-Hudson Bridge (1930).
In 1943 the President wrote a memorandum outlining management of his property once the government took ownership of it. The document included a provision to preserve the vista to the river and to the south and west of the main house. Ironically, as part of his forest management experiments, FDR planted many of the trees that have obscured some of these views.
The land conservation organization Scenic Hudson, working with the National Park Service, has led efforts to protect the natural splendor of this area. They have conserved nearly 1,000 acres to ensure the magnificent vistas you enjoy today in this premier destination.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt series list.
Location. 41° 46.006′ N, 73°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The heart of Franklin Roosevelt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Springwood (about 300 feet away); The World Mourns (about 500 feet away); Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library (about 600 feet away); Freedom Court (about 700 feet away); Berlin Wall Figures (about 700 feet away); Home by the Hudson (about 700 feet away); Franklin Delano Roosevelt (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hyde Park.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a photograph of FDR and Eleanor sitting on the south lawn. A photograph at the upper left of the marker includes the caption “FDR’s bedroom faced a beloved view – the Hudson Valley across the south lawn.”
Also see . . .
1. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. National Park Service. (Submitted on April 6, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2016
2. Preserving a President’s View Marker
2. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site - National Archives. National Historic Site documentation (Submitted on January 25, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 19, 1995
3. Sign at the entrance to Franklin D. Roosevelt Home Library and Museum
The marker is on the grounds of the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2016
4. Marker at Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Nat’l Hist Pk
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2016
5. Springwood
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt is seen here from the marker. FDR’s bedroom window that is featured on the marker is at the left on the second story.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 442 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on January 1, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on April 5, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
