A Farmer In My Native Town

A House Transformed

An Agrarian Lifestyle

Blemie - Dogs of the NPS

Playwright Eugene O’Neill adored his Dalmatian, Blemie, who lived a pampered life at Tao House. After Blemie’s passing in 1940, O’Neill penned a heartfelt tribute in his dog’s voice, urging his family to love another dog and remembering their bond with a "grateful tail wag."

Bustling Household

Dogs of the NPS

Fala - Dogs of the NPS

Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s beloved Scottish Terrier, was a constant companion to the President, traveling with him, charming the public, and even inspiring a famous speech. After FDR’s death, Fala lived with Eleanor Roosevelt until his own passing, earning a place near his master’s grave.

Farm Operations

Farmhands and Fishing

Fertile Political Ground

Lindenwald

Lindenwald is Van Buren's post-presidency home located at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

• A wide brick house painted yellow. Lindenwald, which is what Van Buren called his home, is a three story tall building that is an eccentric mix of different architectural styles. Looking at the front of the building, the first two floors have large windows with shutters painted the same color as the home looking out at the front lawn. The third floor has small dormer windows peaking out through the eaves of the roof. Over the roofline of the rest of the roof from the rear of the home, rises a four story tower with a roofed platform open to the air at the top.

Lindenwald & Old Post Road

Martin Van Buren Gravesite

This is the gravesite of President Martin Van Buren. The grave is located at the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery in Kinderhook, New York.

Sallie - Dogs of the NPS

Sallie Ann Jarrett, a loyal American Staffordshire Terrier, served as the beloved mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, marching in parades, braving battles, and even guarding the wounded at Gettysburg. After her death in combat, her regiment honored her memory with a statue on their Gettysburg monument.

Smoky Jack - Dogs of the NPS

In 1925, Paul Adams became the caretaker of Mount Le Conte, accompanied by his loyal German Shepherd, Smoky Jack. The adventurous duo braved the Smokies together, with Smoky Jack carrying supplies, protecting Paul from danger, and even saving his life multiple times.

Soil Improvers

Stickeen - Dogs of the NPS

During John Muir’s 1880 expedition in Alaska, a small but determined dog named Stickeen followed him across a treacherous glacier, facing deep crevasses and fierce winds. After a harrowing crossing, Stickeen’s terror turned to pure joy, creating an unforgettable bond between him and Muir.

The Old Sycamore

Oldest tree in Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

• The Sycamore tree towers out of the ground behind Van Buren's home. It is wide enough at the base that many people would have to join hands to ring all the way around it. It is almost as wide at the top as it is tall.

The Van Buren Farm

The farm at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is a tangible part of Van Buren's legacy as it is still active today!

• Farm fields stretch out to a line of trees at the horizon. The line of trees mark the Kinderhook Creek which is the edge of Van Buren's historic property.

Uncovering the Past: North Gatehouse

Welcome to Lindenwald

Visitor Center

• Visitor Center
• The visitor center and Lindenwald closed for the season on November 3, 2024.

• Wayside Loop Trail
• The Wayside Loop Trail is a short tour of the site that visitors can do at any time.

• Martin Van Buren Junior Ranger Program
• Participate in Martin Van Buren National Historic Site's Junior Ranger Program! Our unique Junior Ranger Book offers students of history an engaging way to explore Martin Van Buren's house and grounds.

Dogs of the NPS

Explore the lives of five very special dogs of the National Park Service while you and your B.A.R.K. Ranger explore the Wayside Trail. Please be sure to follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles during your visit and stop by the Visitor Tent to receive your B.A.R.K. Ranger badge and tasty treat. B = Bag Your Poop A = Always Wear a Leash R = Respect Wildlife K = Know Where To Go

Wayside Loop - Martin Van Buren

Take a brief walk around the park's self-guided 3/4 mile Wayside Loop trail. Learn about the historic home, farming politics, and the people who lived on the site including Martin Van Buren.