Explore the Historic 45-Room Mansion of Samuel Morse

The historic Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, New York, once owned by inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, is now a captivating destination for history enthusiasts. Built in 1852, this impressive 14,000-square-foot Italianate villa boasts 45 rooms across six floors and offers a glimpse into the life of its famous owner.

Morse, known for creating Morse code and the telegraph, spent his summers at Locust Grove with his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Griswold Morse, and their children until his death in 1872. After Morse’s passing, the estate was rented and later purchased in 1901 by local affluent couple William and Martha Young. They invested approximately $15,000 to modernize the property, adding features such as electricity and central heating. The Young family recognized the estate’s historical value, with their daughter, Annette, founding a nonprofit dedicated to its preservation. Locust Grove opened to the public in 1979.

Visitors can explore the estate’s grounds year-round, with guided tours of the mansion available from April through December on weekends and Mondays for a fee of $20 per person. According to Ken Snodgrass, director and curator of the Locust Grove Estate, the mansion remains “unusually preserved,” providing a unique opportunity for those interested in art, history, and architecture.

Inside Locust Grove: A Journey Through Time

Located on a scenic 200-acre property, Locust Grove offers visitors a rich experience as they stroll through its gardens and approach the grand house. While the exterior may appear modest, Snodgrass describes the interior as “deceptively large,” featuring 45 rooms that allow for a variety of historical insights.

Collaborating with architect Alexander Jackson Davis, Morse designed the estate in a style reminiscent of Italian villas, complete with decorative arches and a wraparound veranda. The interior has largely retained its original charm, reflecting the Young family’s lifestyle rather than undergoing extensive restoration.

The tour begins in the dining room, adorned with portraits of the Young family. Adjacent to this space is a pantry, where staff once utilized a dumbwaiter to transport meals from the basement kitchen. Visitors can also see the drawing room, designed for entertaining guests, which hosted dances and concerts due to its flexible furniture arrangement.

In the tea room, the Young family and their guests enjoyed afternoon tea served with a silver set from Tiffany and Co. The music room features color-corrected scans of original wallpaper from 1908, while a cozy receiving room served as a space for family leisure and card games.

The library showcases a unique Italian Gothic design and houses a collection of 75 teapots, illustrating the Young family’s penchant for collecting. The second floor includes three family bedrooms and guest accommodations, one of which features a dollhouse gifted to Annette by her uncle in 1895. The expansive primary tower bedroom offers picturesque views of the Hudson River, adorned with portraits of the Young children.

The billiards room, another highlight, serves as a playroom where guests enjoyed games on a vintage pool table from 1895 and music from a phonograph. The tour concludes in the basement kitchen, originally equipped with a wood-burning stove, which underwent updates to include coal in 1910 and gas burners in 1920.

With 14 bedrooms and five bathrooms, the estate required considerable support staff, who utilized a dedicated dining and lounge area for their daily activities.

After the tour, visitors can further explore the estate’s history at the museum and gallery located in the visitor center. This space features artifacts related to Morse’s inventions and a selection of his paintings.

Locust Grove stands as a testament to Samuel F. B. Morse‘s legacy and offers a captivating experience for those wishing to connect with history while enjoying the stunning views of the Hudson Valley. The estate’s preservation provides insight into a significant period in American history and reflects the enduring appeal of Morse’s contributions to communication and art.