Martin Van Buren National Historic Site


Today, Martin Van Buren is an obscure man, often little more than a footnote. In pre-Civil War America, however, it was impossible not to have an opinion of him. Van Buren was central to the creation of America's political parties, and to the largest crisis of his time, slavery. The above quote is from Davy Crockett, one of many Americans trying to understand the Red Fox of Kinderhook.

The park entrance road is located off of route 9H about two miles south of Kinderhook Village. GPS Coordinates: 42° 22' 52'' N -73° 42' 13'' W

  • Arts and Culture
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Presidents

Sunset over the farm fields of Lindewald

Sunset over the farm fields of Lindewald

A stunning sunset over the the fields of Lindenwald with the Catskill Mountains rising in the distance.

President Van Buren's Home

President Van Buren's Home

Van Buren called his home and farm Lindenwald. He lived here after his term as president from 1841 to 1862. He ran two presidential campaign from Lindenwald in 1844 and 1848.He ran presidential vam

Paycheck from Martin Van Buren to Irish Servant Catherine Kelly

Paycheck from Martin Van Buren to Irish Servant Catherine Kelly

Many of the domestic workers at Lindenwald were Irsh. They are emblamatic of the great waves of immigrants which beagn arriving in the United states during the ante bellum period.

Martin Van Buren by Hiram Powers

Martin Van Buren by Hiram Powers

This bust of van Buren which is in the library of Lindenwald was sculpted by Hiram Powers. Another version of the bust may be found in the Red Room of the White House.

Lindenwald's Main Hall

Lindenwald's Main Hall

The main hall and dining table at Lindenwald were used by President Van Buren to not only entertain, but to use his skills to bend political issues his way through the ante bellum period.