Locust Grove (Poughkeepsie, New York) facts for kids
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Locust Grove
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West (front) elevation in 2014
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Town of Poughkeepsie, NY |
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| Nearest city | Poughkeepsie |
| Area | 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Architect | Alexander Jackson Davis |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000515 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 29, 1964 |
Locust Grove is a special historic place in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York. It is a large, beautiful estate covering 200 acres. This amazing property sits on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. It has homes, a carriage house, and lovely gardens. You can also find trails for walking.
The most famous part of Locust Grove is the mansion. It was designed by a famous architect named Alexander Jackson Davis. This mansion was once the home of Samuel F. B. Morse. He was the inventor of the telegraph! The house was finished in 1851 and is built in the Italianate style.
Today, Locust Grove is open to everyone. You can take tours, visit a museum, and explore the nature preserve. It also has exhibits of old items and an art gallery.
Contents
History of Locust Grove
Early Owners of the Estate
Locust Grove's first owner was Henry Livingston Jr.. He bought the land from his father in 1771. Henry named the estate "Locust Grove" because of the many black locust trees there.
After Henry Livingston Jr. passed away, his family sold the property. A wealthy couple from New York City, John and Isabella Montgomery, bought it. They moved the farm closer to the river. They also built a small cottage on the land.
Samuel Morse's Home
Samuel F. B. Morse bought the land in 1847. This was three years after he invented the telegraph. In 1851, he hired architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Morse wanted to change the cottage into a grand Italianate villa.
Morse continued to improve the land around his house. Locust Grove became his summer home. He worked on the estate for the rest of his life.
The Young Family's Legacy
Samuel Morse died in 1872. His family spent less time at Locust Grove after that. They eventually emptied the mansion and rented out the estate.
In 1895, William Young moved to Locust Grove as a tenant. He and his wife, Martha, later bought the property in 1901. They understood how important the estate was. They worked to restore the mansion and its gardens.
The Youngs added modern comforts to the house. These included central heat and running water. They also added a new dining room and guest bedrooms. This was the last big change to the building. The Young family collected many beautiful items. Their 20,000-piece collection is now shown in the mansion's 40 rooms.
William and Martha's children, Annette and Innis Young, also helped preserve the house. Locust Grove was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Annette and Innis also restored another family home. This was their great-great grandfather's home, the Locust Lawn Estate. They opened it as a museum in 1958.
Annette Young passed away in 1975. In her will, she made sure Locust Grove would be open to the public. Her house, property, and art collections were opened five years later.
Locust Grove Today
Today, Locust Grove offers many activities. You can take guided tours of the mansion. There are also lectures and special events.
The estate has five miles of trails. These were once carriage roads in the 1800s. You can walk these trails in the woods around the house. It is free to visit the grounds. There is a small fee if you want to take a guided tour of the mansion.
See also
