Hudson Valley Women | Historic Women of Hudson Valley

Washington's Headquarters

Martha Washington's residency at Hasbrouck House in Newburgh was her longest stay anywhere during the Revolutionary War. Now known as Washington's Headquarters, the charming stone house overlooking the Hudson River was where she was hostess to visiting dignitaries and her own friends. The complex has a fascinating new exhibit of items used during her tenure. (845) 562-1195

Sybil Ludington

The war also had feminine firebrands who acted in the name of the patriots. Sybil Ludington is recognized as one of the most heroic women of the Revolution. In April 1777 at age 16, Sybil rode 40 miles on a rainy night to warn Washington's troops of an impending British attack. Historical markers tracing her route can be found throughout eastern Putnam County, and sculptor Anna Huntington's commemoration of Sybil's ride rests at a public park on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel. (845) 808-1015 ext 49394

Sojourner Truth Freedom Trail

The war also had feminine firebrands who acted in the name of the patriots. Sybil Ludington is recognized as one of the most heroic women of the Revolution. In April 1777 at age 16, Sybil rode 40 miles on a rainy night to warn Washington's troops of an impending British attack. Historical markers tracing her route can be found throughout eastern Putnam County, and sculptor Anna Huntington's commemoration of Sybil's ride rests at a public park on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel. (845) 808-1015 ext 49394

Underground Railroad

At the same time the Underground Railroad traversed the region's territory, another movement was underway to document its landscape. Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of Painters, lived in Catskill where you can visit his home. Women may have been educated in the arts in the 19th century, but the profession of artist was the sole domain of men. Undaunted, women like Cole's sister Sarah and her daughter Emily painted in the style of the Hudson River School, creating unsung works that could easily be mistaken for those painted by their male counterparts. Emma Willard felt that women's education should go far beyond just the arts. She opened her namesake school in 1812 to ensure that girls received the same education as boys. From February 22nd through March 29th, the Rensselaer County Historical Society in Troy celebrates the Emma Willard School's bicentennial with photographs and artifacts in an exhibit called "Wrought with Steadfast Will." Two hundred years later, the school is still inspiring and educating young women. (518) 272-7232

Steepletop

From artists to educators to poets, the Hudson Valley inspired many women to be the best that they could be. Edna St. Vincent Millay ranks today as a major figure in 20th-century American literature. The legacy of this Pulitzer Prize-winning poet is found at her historic home, Steepletop, in the village of Austerlitz. Both the house and gardens are open for tours, and stellar poetry events take place at the estate from May through October. Houses belonging to notable women are scattered throughout the Hudson Valley. One of these is the Villa Lewaro in Irvingrton, home of Madam C.J. Walker. Completed in 1918, the Italianate villa was built for Mrs. Walker, the first African-American female to be a self-made millionaire. The home is now privately owned, but is part of Westchester's African American Heritage Trail. (914) 995-8501

Governor's Mansion in Albany

Probably the most famous woman the Governor's Mansion in Albany has housed is Eleanor Roosevelt. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt became governor in 1929, Eleanor began a lifelong fascination with politics. She spent hours at the Capitol Building watching the legislature in action, an education that contributed greatly to her own rise as an inspirational leader to our nation. Today the mansion is open for tours even as it functions as the current home for New York State's governor. (518) 473-7521

Exterior photo of the flowers at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, Hyde Park

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill), Hyde Park

When Eleanor Roosevelt needed time to herself, she'd retreat to Val-Kill, her personal home in Hyde Park. It is, in fact, the only National Historic Site to be dedicated to a first lady, and it is here that she pursued social and political interests that resulted in her becoming one of the most influential first ladies and become known as 'First Lady of the World'. Not only did she served as First Lady, she advocated for women's rights, civil rights, and was one of the authors of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. (845) 229-9422

Ulla Darni

Award-winning, world-renowned artist who creates one-of-a-kind reverse hand-painted "Ulla" lamps.

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site/Elizabeth Schuyler

Elizabeth Schuyler lived in Albany at the Schuyler Mansion. She is the daughter of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler and wife of founding father Alexander Hamilton. As the wife of Alexander Hamilton, Eliza had a front row seat to events that shaped this country in the years immediately following the revolution. She is also credited for preserving her late husband's legacy.

Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon

Learn about Mother Ann Lee and how she outlined her theology for the community that would become known as the Shakers. Seasonal calendar of exhibitions, lectures, tours, and workshops at America's most significant Shaker historic site, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village. 518-794-9100

Historic Hudson Valley Women