Category: New Hampshire

Saint-Gaudens NHS Mansion

On By nationalparkswithtIn New HampshireLeave a comment
Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

New England Road Trip 2024➤

My friend Patty and I hit the road again in October 2024. Our route took us through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. Along the way we hit several National Park Service Units and historic sites. We spent the first afternoon at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site.

Saint-Gaudens➤

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire, preserves the home, studios, and artwork of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He bought the property in the 1880s and made it his permanent residence. After his death in 1907, his family worked to protect the site. The Saint-Gaudens Memorial later transferred it to the National Park Service in 1965. Today, the park maintains his sculptures, historic buildings, and grounds while sharing his impact on American art and public monuments.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, born in Ireland in 1848 and raised in New York, became one of America’s leading sculptors. He trained in Paris and Rome, then gained fame for public monuments like the Shaw Memorial. In the 1890s, he settled in Cornish, New Hampshire, where he created art and dealt with health issues until his death in 1907. His legacy includes iconic sculptures, U.S. coins, and lasting influence on American art.

Patty and I spent a full afternoon exploring the park before heading into Vermont. We attended a ranger talk which focused on four of the famous sculptures. That tour took us across the grounds and into the studios. From there, we perused the galleries and toured the mansion.

Aspet➤

The mansion at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is called Aspet. Augustus Saint-Gaudens bought the house in 1885 and renamed it after his father’s hometown in France. The home started as a simple farmhouse but grew over time as the family renovated and expanded it.

Saint-Gaudens used Aspet as both a residence and a creative space. He added porches, gardens, and pathways to enjoy the views of Mount Ascutney. The house also hosted artists, writers, and musicians who became part of the Cornish Art Colony.

Today, visitors can tour the mansion’s first floor. The rooms display period furnishings, family photos, and personal items. The house offers a glimpse into the daily life of one of America’s most celebrated artists. We took the tour with a docent after our sculpture tour concluded.

New England Posts➤

Location: 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, New Hampshire
Designation: National Historical Park
Date designated/established: May 30, 1977
Date of my visit: October 3, 2024