HISTORIC DISTRICT

One of the best-preserved 19th century townscapes

Nationally Recognized!

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places May 1, 1982 and contains 225 structures of various styles, periods, and types of construction.

The Character of the Village

In 1987 the Village adopted its Master Plan which emphasized the historical character and visual assets as noted by the consultants Buckhurst, Fish, Hutton, and Katz:

"The architectural and historical significance of Cold Spring as one of the best-preserved 19th century townscapes in the Hudson River region is well established. To quote the description of Cold Spring in the report of the National Register of Historic Places:"

"Views of the waterfront and mountain landscapes from certain prominent points have been identified. These spectacular vistas are an important part of the special character and 'sense of place' of the village".

"Cold Spring's Main Street, a fine collection of 19th century historic buildings house a mixture of residences, shops and village services and continues as the traditional and active center of Cold Spring."

"Cold Spring is especially fortunate to occupy such a naturally beautiful site in an area of the Hudson River which is reknowned for its beauty. Furthermore, the village is surrounded by vast areas which are being preserved in their natural state either as wildlife sanctuaries, state parks, or federal reservations."

"Cold Spring's major assets are its fortunate waterfront location, its substantial stock of solid, historically and architecturally significant buildings and its attractive small town character."

"The most special local park is the Cold Spring Park at the foot of Main Street on the waterfront. Its 1920s bandstand and dock have virtually become the symbols of the village...is really the focus of public waterfront activity for the entire region around Cold Spring."

"As a surviving industrial village, Cold Spring's commercial, ecclesiastical and residential features reflect the economic and social dynamics of the (early 19th century) era. The distinctive store structures on the broad Main Street, the noticeable contrast of house types and neighborhoods and the variety of religious institutions dominated by the foundry owner's donated Episcopal church, are the legacy of the prosperous and paternalistic society in nineteenth century Cold Spring. They are significant today for their architectural and historical associations to important events in the history of the Hudson Highlands."

The ruins of the West Point Foundry

This became the largest foundry in the country by the mid 19th century, and was chartered in 1818. In the years before the Civil War, the foundry and the Village grew rapidly. The foundry, which became known for its West Point association, produced iron and brass products of all sorts including stoves, sleighs, boilers, ornamental building fronts, some of the country's first water mains, locomotives and the famous Parrott Cannon, sometimes credited with saving the Union during the Civil War.

When Cold Spring became the commercial and industrial center of the Hudson Highlands, the foundry built homes for its workers on its own land, especially during the period 1830 - 1870. During the Civil War the foundry reached its peak of activity but continued operations through the 1890s. The major portion of the old West Point Foundry area is now an archeological site with the abandoned 1865 Victorian office building, the major visible landmark. The National Register district, includes 93 acres.

The Dock and Parrott Gun

Located at the foot of Main Street. Because of the special character of this waterfront space, it is very frequently used by residents and tourists alike, generally as a tranquil spot to enjoy the vistas, to watch the wild fowl, or to have lunch. This park was described by the Project for Public Spaces as one of the most used open spaces they had ever studied.

The Bandstand and Dock

The bandstand with the Hudson House to the right is the scene of many Cold Spring acitivites. Concerts during the warmer months are held for the public.

The Fires

Severe fires in 1862 and 1875 burned sections of the village near Main Street, and the buildings were rebuilt with the ornamentation of late 19th century commercial facades which distinguish Main Street today. The 1890s were a time for public improvements in the village during which shade trees were planted along the public streets, a public water system was constructed and electric street lamps were introduced. The Village population today is nearly the same as that of 1880, and even though during the 20th century Cold Spring has changed, it has done so very slowly.

1834 Chapel on the Waterfront

The first Roman Catholic church erected in this area of the Hudson Valley, and the first to be constructed outside the diocese of Manhattan. Designed by 16 year-old Thomas Kellah Wharton, it was built by the West Point Foundry. It was completed and consecrated in 1834 and was called St. Mary's. In 1930, the chapel was devastated by a fire; however, in 1966 restoration efforts began and the existing chapel was dedicated in 1977 as Our Lady Chapel. It is presently non-denominational and reserved for ecumenical services, weddings, and musicales.

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