Colden Mansion Ruins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Colden Mansion Ruins
|
|
Ruins in 2007
|
|
| Location | Town of Montgomery, New York, United States |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Newburgh |
| Area | 8 acres (3 ha) |
| Built | 1767 |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000758 |
| Added to NRHP | 2007 |
The Colden Mansion Ruins are the remains of an old stone house in the Town of Montgomery, New York. You can find them near Route 17K. These ruins are what's left of a house built in 1767. A man named Cadwallader Colden Jr. built it. His father was also a famous person named Cadwallader Colden.
The land around the ruins was once a huge 3,000-acre farm. It belonged to the Colden family. Even today, the area is called Coldenham. The family's old cemetery is about a mile away. The Colden family owned the house until the mid-1800s. After that, they sold it.
In 1940, the Metropolitan Museum of Art bought some of the original wooden walls. These beautiful wooden pieces are now on display at the museum. The house was left empty in the 1930s. Later, in the late 1900s, it slowly fell apart.
Contents
History of the Colden Mansion
Who Built the Mansion?
The Colden Mansion was built in 1767. It was built by Cadwallader Colden Jr. He was the son of a very important person. His father, also named Cadwallader Colden, was a scientist and a leader. He even served as the acting governor of New York.
What Happened to the House?
The Colden family owned the house for many years. They sold it in the mid-1800s. In the 1930s, the house became empty. It was left alone after a legal disagreement about who owned it. Over time, the house slowly crumbled. Today, only the stone walls and foundations remain.
Protecting the Ruins
Why Are the Ruins Important?
The Colden Mansion Ruins are very old and special. The Town of Montgomery wanted to protect them. In 1997, the town created a rule to save historic places. The Colden Mansion Ruins were one of the first places they wanted to protect.
Adding to the National Register
In 2000, the town officially listed the ruins as a historic property. Then, in 2007, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of important places in the United States. It helps protect them even more.
Future Plans for the Site
The state of New York now owns the mansion property. They gave it to the Town of Montgomery. The town wants to turn the area into a park. They are looking for money to help keep the ruins safe. This way, people can visit and learn about this historic place.
Gallery
-
This is an engraving from 1859. It's the oldest picture we have of the house.
-
Some of the original woodwork from the house. You can see it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
