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Welcome to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Welcome to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. This is the birthplace and final resting place of our nation’s 32nd President. Elected to an unprecedented four terms, Roosevelt led the United States through two national crises, the Great Depression and World War II, along with other events that fundamentally altered the course of American history. Franklin’s father, James Roosevelt, purchased this property in 1867. He paid $40,000 for a 17-room Italianate-style house on 110 acres. He renamed it Springwood. By the time FDR died in 1945, the property grew to nearly 1,600 acres extending east from the Hudson River with about eighteen buildings, including Springwood (or the Big House), Val-Kill, Top Cottage, gardens, a working farm, and the nation’s first Presidential Library and Museum. In 1939, FDR made arrangements for this place to become a National Historic Site. After his death, Eleanor Roosevelt and his children waived their life interest in the property, and gave full title to the United States government. The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site opened to the public on April 12, 1946, the first anniversary of the President’s death. This was the place where FDR spent most of his time during his formative years, and where he gained many of the values and experiences that shaped his personal and political views. During his political career, Roosevelt used Springwood for rest from the demands of public life, but the business of the government continued even here. FDR made about 137 visits to Hyde Park during his 12 years in office, entertaining and conferring with political associates, labor organizers, royalty, and world leaders—all with a common goal to build a nation and a world united in prosperity and peace.
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