Home of the "Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Site" and the "Vanderbilt Mansion"

A Short History of the Town of Hyde Park, NY

Hyde Park was originally settled by Jacobus Stoutenburg in 1742 and was known at that time by the family name. The town was officially named Hyde Park in 1812. Hyde Park is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, halfway between New York City and the state capital of Albany.

Hyde Park is proud to be the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. The Roosevelt Estate is the only place in the nation where a President was born, grew to manhood and lies buried in the Rose Garden which is located on the grounds of the estate. In addition to FDR's home, there is the Presidential Library, and a museum containing artifacts, gifs and memorabilia of FDR and his wife Eleanor from their years in public life. Eleanor Roosevelt also had a separate home in Hyde Park known as Val-Kill. It too, is a national historic site.

In addition to the Roosevelt Estate, Hyde Park is the home of the Culinary Institute of America, the Frederick Vanderbilt Estate, the Mills Mansion and the Town of Hyde Park Historical Museum.

The Culinary Institute of America was founded in 1946 and is the only residential college in the world devoted entirely to culinary education. Situated on 150 acres, it is located on the east bank of the Hudson River. The campus features 38 professionally equipped kitchens and bake shops as well as four public restaurants. The Escoffier Restaurant, serving classic French cuisine; St Andrews Cafe, featuring contemporary cuisine; The Caterina de de Medici Dining Room, serving regional Italian cuisine; and The American Bounty, featuring American cuisine.

Frederick Vanderbilt's Estate is an opulent 54 room mansion and is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts style. It over looks the Hudson River.

Mills Mansion is a 65 room neo-classical mansion. It was once the home of financier and philanthropist Odgen Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills, who used their residence primarily in the fall.

Val-Kill is what Eleanor Roosevelt called her getaway home. Val-Kill cottage was the only house Eleanor Roosevelt ever owned.

Hyde Park is a residential community with very little industry, although neighboring municipalities are the home for major companies. Citizens of Hyde Park are constantly working at preserving the historic qualities of the town, as well as the trademark stone walls which line many of the streets throughout the town. Hyde Park welcomes visitors to visit their many interesting shops and restaurants. Visitors will always be welcomed and when they leave, will have happy memories of a beautiful historic town.