Landscape Architecture

The origins of the landscape architecture found on our 19th and 20th century Hudson River Valley estates has its roots in the great traditions of English garden and landscape design and philosophy. These pages are meant to give readers and visitors a primer on the history of our 18th and 19th century landscape architecture, some of the field's prominent figures in the Valley, and their creative influence on it's landscape.

In addition to these private landscapes we've inherited, the Valley also contains many landscapes and open spaces that were preserved, and sometimes enhanced, for public benefit. One of the earliestattempts at regional planning - The Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia - was begun at Bear Mountain State Park. This "other" side of landscape architecture is larger in scale, but just as precise and rewarding an endeavor.

We hope this information will help you to enjoy and appreciate the history behind these great treasures in our back yard.

General History of Hudson River Valley Landscape Architecture

Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie

The Vanderbilt Estate, Hyde Park

Springside Estate, Poughkeepsie

"An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning," MacKaye, 1921

"Trail Years:A History of the Appalachian Trail Conference" , (From The Appalachian Trail site )

By: Mike Russo'03