145 Sterling St. Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 831-8172
Built around 1730, the Verplank family homestead sits on 44 acres with a 1730s Dutch barn and restored garden. The site served as the Revolutionary War Headquarters of Major General Friedrich Von Steuben, whose European training methods were vital to George Washington's inexperienced soldiers. In 1783, both men helped form America's first fraternal veteran's organization, the Society of the Cincinnati. Mount Gulian is the birthplace of the Society.
From 1829 to 1866, the property and ornamental garden were managed by James F. Brown, an enslaved man in Maryland whose freedom was purchased by the Verplanck family, and who became a trusted employee at Mount Gulian for almost 40 years. During that time, he kept a detailed journal about everyday life in Dutchess County, excerpts of which are available to read at Mount Gulian.
Roughly 8,000 years of history is documented here dating back to the Indigenous people who inhabited the land.
Mount Gulian is one of the participating locations on the Dutchess Tourism Story Finder Trail, a free mobile passport program featuring discounts, perks and itineraries for some of the region’s most captivating historic sites. Sign up now!
Winner Dutchess Tourism Outdoors Award of Distinction
