Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
Lyndhurst is a Gothic revival mansion that sits on 67 acre park overlooking the Hudson river. The New York City mayor William Paulding built Lyndhurst as his retirement home with architect Alexander Davis. Work began on the structure in 1838. It was so ornate and detailed that it took 5 years to complete.
The building was unusual for its time in that it was asymmetrical and featured a lot of ornamental turrets. It has a wood frame structure with a marble facade giving it a castle-like appearance. Sing Sing prisoners in upstate New York mined the marble for the building.
The second owner, merchant George Merritt engaged the original architect to double the size of the house. The 7000 square foot addition is virtually seamless because it was all Alexander Davis’ vision.
Merritt had Italian-style murals painted on the ceiling of the drawing room near the entrance. There are twelve panels, each panel representing an hour between sunrise and sunset. Merit only spent nine years at Lyndhurst before he passed away.
Jay Gould, a railroad tycoon, then purchased the estate. Gould lived there from 1880 until his death in 1892. Ownership of Lyndhurst then passed on to each of his children. Anna Gould, the last surviving daughter, donated the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961. It became a National Landmark in 1966.
My daughter and I signed up for a basic guided tour of the mansion. I was able to get discounted tickets because of my membership in the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our guide Nathan met us at the carriage house and visitor center. There was a short film shown about the history of Lyndhurst. Then our group walked up to the mansion and toured the rooms on the ground and second floors.
The National Trust has kept one room very simple and faithful to the way it was during the time of William Paulding, the first owner.
The more ornate drawing room just off the foyer is representative of the time of George Merritt, the second owner. The rest of the house is the way it was when the Goulds lived there.
Nathan told us that Jay Gould was the most hated man in America during his time. He was a ruthless business man who caused the financial ruin, and perhaps suicides, of some of his adversaries.
But in his private life, Gould was a family man devoted to his wife and children. He took a yacht down the Hudson River every day to travel to his office in New York City. This was not an easy commute.
He returned home each evening rather than staying in his city apartment so that he could spend time with his family.
Location: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, New York
Designation: National Historic Landmark
Date designated/established: November 13, 1966
Date of my visit: August 24, 2018
It’s one of my favorite mansions. They are doing a free tour day May 19th. The tickets sold out in a day. You need to visit when they have the flower show in April, Halloween, and the holidays. They deck out the house for numerous occasions.
I’ve been itching to get to the Halloween events, but never can make the timing work.
I hope you get a chance this year. You will love it. We went for the Dark Shadows weekend presentation. It was great meeting two cast members, and the mansion had pictures from the movie throughout the house. They also decorated for Halloween outside.
In the words of Mr. Spock, “Fascinating.” No, really, I was truly fascinated by this history. I’ve touched on this before, but I find it interesting that an individual could amass so much wealth (in those days) to live such a life of grandeur.
William Paulding, the first owner, was a soldier and politician. I guess he made money off his connections? Not unlike politicians today who somehow become millionaires during their time in office.
George Merritt, the second owner, was a merchant so I can see how he made his money. Plus, he was married to a descendant of the founder of Rhode Island, so he had both wealth and status.
Jay Gould, the third owner, was a notorious robber baron so enough said.
Still, it’s hard to imagine that so much wealth could be amassed by one person even in the Industrial Age.
The docent did a good job of humanizing Gould, but you are right…to amass such wealth he would have been ruthless in his business dealings.
I had not idea this was here! Such a cool location!
There are a few other historic homes nearby I’ve been meaning to visit
I look forward to seeing your reviews!
I’d guess with all those ledger books that his desk far exceeded a hundred pounds! Pity the poor guys who had to schlep it back and forth to the boat twice a day.
Seriously! Can you imagine!?