The Hudson Valley continues to be a beautiful place filled with outdoor activities during all four seasons. There are plenty of local eateries, bars, boutiques and unique businesses to visit.

Historical sites throughout the Hudson Valley highlight those who paved the way here in the Hudson Valley.

While some Hudson Valley historical sites are well known, others could be hidden gems.

The Hudson Valley was once a place where historical figures of society and all around the world would visit, as we have celebrities who visit our area today.

Which Historical Influences Lived In The Hudson Valley Region?

Eleanor Roosevelt
Getty Images
loading...

History buffs could spend days visiting all of the sites where influential members of society once lived.

The most popular historical figure to live in the Hudson Valley was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also referred to as FDR. He was the 32nd president of the United States and resided with his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt in Hyde Park, NY. I visited his home and his wife, Eleanor's residence in Hyde Park, NY.

Sojourner Truth was known for her efforts in the civil and women's rights movement, advocating for others and sharing her inspirational stories about freedom. Some residents didn't know that she was also born in the Hudson Valley.

Did you know that General George Washington spent time in Newburgh, NY? Today, the Washington Headquarters is located there.

President Theodore Roosevelt Visited A Hudson Valley Town In The Past


President Theodore Roosevelt was the uncle to Eleanor Roosevelt and cousin to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt was also known as Teddy Roosevelt, he was spotted in Kingston, NY in the past.

Friends of Historic Kingston shared a picture of President Theodore Roosevelt on their Facebook page. This picture shows Teddy Roosevelt at a campaign stop in the Hudson Valley. This took place in October of 1900 in Kingston, NY. It was from the FHK Postcard Collection.

It would be great to know more details as to where exactly in Kingston that President Theodore is standing. Can you identify any street signs, any buildings?

Along with Teddy Roosevelt, another influential member of society such as Babe Ruth visited the Hudson Valley.

Where Did Babe Ruth Hang Out In The Hudson Valley?

Big Ball Player
Getty Images
loading...

Babe Ruth’s biography explained that his name was George Herman Ruth Jr. He received his nickname Babe, from the owner of the Baltimore Orioles, Jack Dunn.

At the time, Dunn had to be Ruth’s guardian in order for Ruth’s contract with them to be complete.

BabeRuth.com shared,

“Seeing George Jr. for the first time, the Orioles players referred to him as “Jack’s newest babe” and the most famous nickname in sports history was born”. 

They continued to share that,

Babe is still to this day widely considered the greatest player in Major League Baseball history.”

 

SEE MORE: Did You Know That Uncle Sam's Hudson Valley House Has A Tiki Bar?

Do You Know These Ulster County, NY Locations Where Bath Ruth Visited?

Scenic Catskills
Scenic Catskills, Canva
loading...

The Historical Marker Database shared information about Babe Ruth and his visits to the Hudson Valley region.

They shared,

"It’s possible that Babe Ruth clobbered some home runs with one of these bats. Babe spent a lot of time at the Phoenicia Hotel."

Ulster County Tourism also shared that the Shandaken area

"is tied to American legends such as Babe Ruth, “Dutch” Schultz and others."

The New York Post included that Phoenicia, NY is where Babe Ruth would spend time on the Esopus Creek and catch trout.

Where Is Phoenicia And The Shandaken Area In The Hudson Valley?


The Town of Shandaken has multiple hamlets. Phoenicia is a hamlet within Shandaken, located in Ulster County, NY.

I've visited many locations in the Ulster County, NY area and love spending time in Phoenicia, NY. The air feels fresh and crispy and in the summer months, the trees are large with lush green leaves on them.

Which celebrity or influential member of society have you heard of visiting the Hudson Valley region? Share more with us below.

Have You Been To FDR's Cousin's House in Rhinebeck, NY?

Some may only know about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt but there were other family members who played a role in the Hudson Valley.

Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Bowne created history in Dutchess County, NY. Their estate called "Wilderstein" was designed in the 1800's. 

According to Wilderstein.org, the meaning behind the name of their estate means "wild man's stone". This was in reference to "an Indian petroglyph on the property, a reminder of the cultural heritage that preceded European settlement of the region."

By the late 1800's, the son of Thomas and Catherine (Robert Bowne Suckley) along with his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery decided to add onto the estate.

This "Queen Anne style mansion" is also known for its beautiful views, lush landscape and large property. There were three generations of the Suckley family members that lived at Wilderstein. 

Who was related to FDR?

Margaret Suckley was not only just a cousin of FDR but they spent quality time together. She traveled with FDR during his presidency and gifted him his black Scottish terrier dog, Fala.
Margaret also helped FDR form his library located in Hyde Park, NY.

Some would also say that she was a "confidante" to him as well. Margaret was with FDR when he passed away in Georgia. She died at the Wilderstein estate in 1991 at 100 years old.

Margaret was the last resident to live at Wilderstein. 

Wilderstein is also known as "the Hudson Valley's most important example of Victorian architecture."

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

How Many of Kingston, NY's Top 5 Attractions Have You Seen?

Trip Advisor has a list of top attractions in Kingston, NY. Play along and see if you have been to all of the top 5 attractions within Kingston, if not then add these to your travel list.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay,

More From WPDH-WPDA