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 known as the Clermont estate or Clermont Manor. This site protects the old home of the Livingston family. Seven generations of this important family lived here for over 200 years. It's a great place to learn about American history!
History of Clermont Estate
The name Clermont means "clear mountain" in French. This name was inspired by the amazing view of the Catskill Mountains. You can see them across the Hudson River from the estate.
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 large manor went to his older brother, Philip. But Robert received about 13,000 acres in the southwest corner. This land was later named Clermont. The first house was built around 1740.
Robert Livingston of Clermont passed away on June 27, 1775. His son, also named Robert, inherited the estate. This son was known as 'Judge Livingston'. He served in the New York government from 1759 to 1768. He was also 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 on December 9, 1775, just a few months after his father.
Burning and Rebuilding the Estate
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In October 1777, British ships sailed up the Hudson River. They were helping General John Burgoyne during the American Revolution. This British force had already attacked forts and burned Kingston, New York. Major General John Vaughan led a group to Clermont. They burned the Livingston home because the family supported the American rebellion.
Margaret Beekman Livingston bravely rebuilt the family home. It was rebuilt between 1779 and 1782.
Robert R. Livingston became the most well-known person to live at Clermont. He was called "Chancellor" Livingston. He gave the oath of office to President George Washington. He also served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Later, he helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, which greatly expanded the United States.
In 1793, Robert Livingston built another mansion on the property. It was also confusingly named "Clermont." This second house later became known as "Arryl House" and "Idele." It burned down in 1909. You can still see the ruins of that house today.
Chancellor Livingston also worked with Robert Fulton in 1807. They created the first successful steamboat on the Hudson River. It was called the North River Steamboat, but many knew it as the Clermont. This steamboat even stopped at the house on its very first trip!
The last Livingston family members to own the home were John Henry Livingston and his wife Alice. They added to the house and truly valued its important history. Alice Livingston created many beautiful gardens that are still cared for today. After John Henry passed away, Alice gave the mansion and property to New York State in 1962. She wanted everyone in New York to be able to visit and experience this historic place.
Clermont Today
Today, the house is a New York State Historic Site. It was named a United States National Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it's 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 Clermont is located in the town of Clermont, its mailing address is in the nearby town of Germantown.
See also
