Welcome to Springside, a historic landscape in Poughkeepsie,
New York. Springside was designed starting in 1850 to be the summer estate
and farm of Matthew Vassar, a local brewer and philanthropist. The architect
he commissioned, Andrew Jackson Downing, was the foremost landscape designer
of his time, perhaps the most influential U.S. designer ever. At Springside,
Downing implemented the picturesque building and landscape styles that
he promoted through his many writings. Though much changed, Springside
remains the best extant example of a Downing-designed landscape.
By clicking on the buttons below, you can learn
more about Springside, from its conception to the present; take a virtual
tour of the grounds, comparing past views with recent photographs (please
be patient while the pictures load); and find out how to continue your
exploration of Springside. You can also send feedback to the creator of
this site. |
View of the entrance to Springside, from Lossing,
as reproduced in Flad, illus. 18 (photo:
Vassar College Library). |