Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

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Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an Irish-born immigrant who grew up in New York, found immense success with his realistic bronze monuments in the late 19th century. Seeking respite from the summer heat of Manhattan, he rented a dilapidated Federal-style house in Cornish in 1885. He named the estate “Aspet,” after his father’s birthplace in France, and was soon won over by the idyllic surroundings.

The artist’s presence attracted other artists, writers, and designers, leading to the formation of the renowned Cornish Colony was a creative community that flourished from 1885 to the 1930s. Painters like Maxfield Parrish and architects such as Charles A. Platt frequented the estate. While the daytime was dedicated to work, evenings were spent socializing, with Saint-Gaudens’ home and the neighboring Blow-Me-Down Farm becoming central gathering spots. The natural beauty and tranquil setting, with views of Mount Ascutney, inspired many of the colony’s works.

The park preserves over 120 original and reproduced works by Saint-Gaudens, ranging from large public art pieces to detailed portrait reliefs. Visitors can explore the

The New Gallery and Atrium

As you approach the New Gallery and Atrium, you walk past the towering “Standing Lincoln.” A powerful, 12-foot-tall bronze version of the Abraham Lincoln sculpture, originally located in Chicago. You can’t help but feel the weight upon Lincoln’s shoulders.

The “Farragut Monument” is another inspiring piece that first brought Saint-Gaudens widespread recognition, commemorating Civil War Admiral David Glasgow Farragut.

The features designs for the iconic “Double Eagle” gold piece that he created for the U.S. Mint.New Gallery and Atrium, which now display many of his sculptures. Examples of celebrated public commissions on the grounds include:

Little Studio

Shaw/Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial

A highlight of the park is a recast of Saint-Gaudens’ masterpiece, the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial. Commissioned to honor Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, this bronze relief depicts the first African American volunteer unit formed in the North to fight in the Civil War. Instead of a traditional equestrian statue, Saint-Gaudens shows Colonel Shaw on horseback beside his brave, determined soldiers, marching toward battle. For the first time in American commemorative sculpture, the artist chose to individually model the faces of the African American soldiers, creating empathetic portraits and conveying the heroism and sacrifice of the unit with realism and dignity. The original monument, which took Saint-Gaudens 14 years to complete, is located in Boston.

If you have never seen the movie “Glory”, I highly recommend it. For many, the monument acts as a “frozen” moment in time, representing the sacrifice and bravery of these soldiers. By watching the movie, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the individuals and the struggle behind the stone and bronze figures, which adds a powerful new “dimension” to appreciating the monument. 

Grounds

Aspet

Ravine Studio

A living legacy of art and nature

Saint-Gaudens’ legacy continued even after his death in 1907. His wife, Augusta, established the

Saint-Gaudens Memorial

to preserve the property and his work. In 1965, the estate became a National Park Service site, and the tradition of supporting the arts continues today. As visitors walk through the formal gardens designed by the artist, admire the statuary, and take in the serene landscape, they experience a seamless blend of art and nature that was so vital to Saint-Gaudens and the Cornish Colony. The park’s longest-running artist-in-residence program, summer concert series, and other public programs ensure that this “national park for the arts” continues to inspire future generations.

Blow-Me-Down Trail

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This post was created in collaboration between the author and the AI Tool Google Gemini.

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