National Historic Landmark

Top Cottage

Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York
Listed
December 9, 1997
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
97001679

About this property

Top Cottage, also known as Hill-Top Cottage, in Hyde Park, New York, was a private retreat designed by and for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Built in 1938-39, during Roosevelt's second term as President of the United States, it was designed to accommodate his need for wheelchair accessibility. It was one of the earliest such buildings in the country, and the first significant building designed by a person with a disability. Although it was meant as a retreat, FDR also received notable guests at the cottage, including Britain's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. After half a century in private ownership, the property was restored and given to the National Park Service, which today operates it as part of the nearby Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. Top Cottage was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Guided tours of the cottage are available from the main site but private vehicles are not permitted. This building is the only building designed by a sitting U.S. president other than Thomas Jefferson, who designed several at his home in Monticello, Poplar Forest, the University of Virginia, and the Virginia State Capitol.

Location

24 Potters Bend Rd.
Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York
41.76449, -73.88824

Categories

POLITICS/GOVERNMENTPERFORMING ARTS
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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Nearby Historic Sites

Roosevelt, Eleanor, National Historic Site
Listed
0.7 mi
Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School
Industrial
1.1 mi
Pelham Parkway Station (Dual System IRT)
Industrial
1.9 mi
Stoutenburgh, William, House
Industrial
2.1 mi
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Listed
2.5 mi

Questions about this property

When was Top Cottage listed on the National Register?

Top Cottage was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 9, 1997.

What type of historic resource is Top Cottage?

Top Cottage is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

Is Top Cottage a National Historic Landmark?

Yes. Top Cottage has been designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal recognition for historic properties in the United States.

What is the period of significance for Top Cottage?

The period of significance for Top Cottage is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Top Cottage?

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