FOLLOW THE FRENCHMEN | EPISODE 27 - MONTGOMERY PLACE, NY

The Hudson River is a central element of the geography of New York State. Many communities attached themselves to the river in order to benefit from its trade opportunities. If one were to drive along the Hudson today, one would find many of them. Red Hook is one example.

The area is closely associated with the Livingston family name. In 1805, Janet Livingston Montgomery, sister of Robert and Edward Livingston, commissioned Montgomery Place. The estate overlooks the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. It is named after her husband Richard Montgomery, who died during the Battle of Quebec in 1775, at the dawn of the American Revolution. Lafayette came here to pay his respects to Janet on Sunday, September 19, 1824, during his Farewell Tour of the US. Why did he stop here?

Since Lafayette’s time, Montgomery Place has become a shrine to nature, a sanctuary of peace, and inspiration where all visitors are welcome. The property now belongs to Bard College. What are the responsibilities and challenges that come with interpreting the legacy of the Livingston family? What does Lafayette’s visit mean to the Bard community today? Follow The Frenchmen and find out now!