Clermont State Historic Site facts for kids
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Clermont
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | One mile North of Tivoli, New York |
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| Built | 1782 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Hudson River Historic District (ID90002219) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000535 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 18, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 28, 1972 |
| Designated NHLDCP | December 14, 1990 |
The Clermont State Historic Site is a special place in New York. It's also called the Clermont estate or Clermont Manor. This historic site protects the old home of the famous Livingston family. Seven generations of this family lived here for over 200 years!
Contents
History of Clermont Estate
The name "Clermont" comes from French words meaning "clear mountain." This name was chosen because of the amazing view of the Catskill Mountains across the Hudson River from the estate.
How Clermont Began
The Clermont estate was started by Robert Livingston. This happened after his father, the first Lord of Livingston Manor, passed away in 1728. Most of the family's land went to his older brother, Philip. However, Robert received about 13,000 acres in the southwest corner. This land was later named Clermont. The first house on the property was built around 1740.
Robert Livingston of Clermont passed away on June 27, 1775. His son, also named Robert, then took over the estate. This son was known as 'Judge Livingston' to tell him apart from his father. Judge Livingston was an important person in New York. He served in the New York General Assembly from 1759 to 1768. He was also a judge and a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.
Judge Livingston married Margaret Beekman. Their son, Robert R. Livingston, became very famous. He was a Founding Father of the United States. He helped write the United States Declaration of Independence. Judge Robert passed away about six months after his father, on December 9, 1775.
Burning and Rebuilding the Manor
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In October 1777, during the American Revolution, British ships sailed up the Hudson River. They were supporting General John Burgoyne, who was fighting north of Albany. This same British force had already attacked forts and burned the town of Kingston, New York.
Major General John Vaughan led a group to Clermont. They burned the Livingston family home. This happened because the family was very involved in the American fight for independence. Margaret Beekman Livingston, Judge Robert's wife, bravely rebuilt the family home. This rebuilding took place between 1779 and 1782.
Chancellor Livingston's Legacy
Robert R. Livingston became the most well-known person to live at Clermont. He was called "Chancellor" Livingston. He had many important roles in early American history. He gave the oath of office to President George Washington. He also served as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. One of his biggest achievements was negotiating the Louisiana Purchase. This deal greatly expanded the size of the United States.
In 1793, Robert Livingston built another large house on the property. It was also confusingly named "Clermont" at first. Later, it became known as "Arryl House" and then "Idele." This second house burned down in 1909. You can still see the ruins of that house at the south end of the property.
Chancellor Livingston also worked with Robert Fulton in 1807. Together, they created the first successful steamboat. It was called the North River Steamboat, but later became known as the Clermont. This steamboat even stopped at the Clermont house on its very first trip!
Later Generations and Public Access
The last Livingston family members to own the home were John Henry Livingston and his wife, Alice. They made additions to the house. They also deeply valued the home's important place in history.
Alice Livingston was responsible for creating many of the beautiful gardens you can still see today. After John Henry passed away, Alice decided to give the mansion and property to the state of New York in 1962. She wanted all the people of New York to be able to visit and experience this historic place.
Clermont Today
Today, the Clermont house is a New York State Historic Site. It was named a United States National Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it's recognized as a very important historical place in the United States. It is also part of another National Historic Landmark, the Hudson River Historic District.
Even though the site is in the town of Clermont, its mailing address is in the nearby town of Germantown.
See also
In Spanish: Clermont (mansión) para niños
