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The promise of the American Revolution, the turmoil of antebellum politics
and the tragedy of the Civil War frame Martin Van Buren’s life.
Van Buren was born in Kinderhook in 1782, the last year of the American
Revolution. He lived until July 1862, sixteen months into the American Civil
War. He was among the most prominent politicians of his time and an architect
of the party system that still shapes American political life.
He purchased this grand house and farm in his hometown while president.
The property grew to 226 acres under his direction and was a profitable
working farm. He named his place Lindenwald.
Politics before the Civil War was a whirlwind of boisterous characters
and opposing interest groups. Martin Van Buren positioned himself in the
eye of the political storm and in the process helped to found the Democratic
Party. His skill propelled him to the presidency in 1837, but it was not
enough to assure reelection to a second term in the wake of a massive
bank panic and economic depression. He returned to Kinderhook in 1841,
but continued to be a central figure in American politics. As frustration,
anger and violence over the extension of slavery grew in the 1840's, Van
Buren ran for the presidency twice more from this house.
Although the park presently encompasses just 38.50 acres, much of the
adjacent land is conservation land. Some of the conservation land is open
to the public. Most of the property retains a very high degree of integrity
to the period of President Van Buren's residence. This serves to add environmental
and historic context to the life and lifestyle of Martin Van Buren. BEFORE
GOING ON ANY ADJACENT LANDS PLEASE SPEAK TO A PARK RANGER. .
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