| |
Saint Gaudens National Historic Site :-
Augustus Saint-Gaudens had been told that this region of western
New Hampshire along the banks of the Connecticut River was the "land
of Lincolnshaped men." That description drew him to Cornish, New
Hampshire, in 1885 to find a place where he could model his latest commission,
a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Seeking only a temporary residence and studio,
Saint-Gaudens and his wife, Augusta, were directed to an old rundown tavern.
Saint-Gaudens was initially appalled by the place, but his wife saw possibilities.
Before long the family established a summer home and studio there. Here
in the shadow of nearby Mt. Ascutney, Saint-Gaudens conceived a host of
projects. Here he became the leader of the art colony and community that
grew around him. And it was here that he battled cancer and sought release
and health through vigorous physical activity. In the end, after having
operated at the height of his career four studios—one in Paris, two
in New York City, and the Cornish site—he would choose to be buried
here.
Location: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is located
just off NH 12A in Cornish, New Hampshire, and 2.5 miles north of the Covered
Bridge at Windsor, Vermont.
Description: The park includes the home, studios, and
gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, America's foremost sculptor of the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was Saint-Gaudens' summer residence
from 1885-1897 and his permanent home from 1900 until his death in 1907.
Original sculpture is on exhibit.
Activities: Park visitors can enjoy a video presentation,
scheduled tours of Saint-Gaudens' home, and walking tours of the site.
A self-guided audio tour is also available. The site includes two hiking
trails: the short Ravine Trail and the 2.5-mile Blow-Me-Down Trail. There
is a summer concert series in July and August on Sunday afternoons.
Operating Hours: The Park is open from late May through
late October. Buildings and exhibits are open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
From early November through late May the grounds are open daily from 8:00am
until dusk.
|
|