Hudson Valley HS Wrestling

Lindenwald was the retirement home of Martin Van Buren, America's eighth president. Its opulent interior affords a glimpse into the lives of the upper class in the Hudson River Valley in the mid-19th century.

When Van Buren (1782-1862) returned to his hometown of Kinderhook in 1841, after his service as U.S. Senator, Vice President, and President, he purchased a two-story Georgian house and 220 surrounding acres. He turned the house into a country seat, retaining its most impressive design elements - the Palladian window above the front door and carved woodwork on the first floor - and adding others, such as the Zuber wallpaper in the main hallway. In 1849, Van Buren hired Richard Upjohn to design a major addition. He is responsible for the Tuscan-style tower, as well as the front porch, which combines elements of Gothic and Romanesque design.

Lindenwald has been restored by the National Park Service to reflect the grand lifestyle Van Buren led there. Reproductions of the Brussels carpets he purchased for the house complement Empire furniture (much of which belonged to him), as well as china and artwork. Visitors also tour the restored servants' quarters and learn how the house kept running. Although the site now sits on 38 acres, thanks to conservation easements with nearby farms its setting appears relatively unchanged.

For the 2007 season Lindenwald, at 1013 Old Post Road (Route 9H) in Kinderhook, will be open for tours in President Van Buren's House from May 21 through October 31, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Admission fee. 518-758-9689