SPRINGSIDE

This 20-acre historic landmark in the center of the City of Poughkeepsie is the area’s own version of old-world ruins. Springside was the summer home of Matthew Vassar (the elder). The great significance of this location is that it is the most intact remaining work by Andrew Jackson (AJ) Downing, America’s first native-born landscape architect, the founder of The Horticulturalist, an important author, and a designer whose influence can be felt throughout American landscape design. Downing’s work and influence can be seen in many of the area’s historic estates, and he was on his way to design the grounds at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, when he drowned in a riverboat accident at the age of 37.

Today, much of the original estate is gone, with only one Downing-designed house remaining. The carriage trails have been restored by the Springside Landscape Restoration (845.454.2060), which has provided excellent trail maps. The characteristics of the site are its rocky knolls, peaceful meadows, shaded glens, and of course the springs which gave the property its name. Also worthy of note are majestic old-growth trees that include towering oaks, hemlocks, black walnuts, and enormous sycamores that predate the Downing landscaping.

Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Free admission. Located just off the Academy Street Exit of Route 9 in Poughkeepsie.